Web Desk: Spain secured their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay, capitalizing on another costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The defeat also brought an end to Uruguay's disappointing World Cup campaign.

The match's only goal came in the 42nd minute when Spain midfielder Alex Baena fired a shot from inside the penalty area. Uruguay's experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to hold onto the effort, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and into the net.

It was Muslera's third major error of the tournament. After another disappointing display, Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa substituted the 40-year-old goalkeeper at halftime, bringing on Sergio Rochet. Although Rochet had been Uruguay's first-choice goalkeeper before the tournament, Bielsa opted to start the experienced Muslera, a decision that ultimately backfired.

Spain nearly doubled their lead late in the game when Ferran Torres found himself one-on-one with Rochet, but his effort crashed against the crossbar and stayed out.

The victory ensured Spain finished top of Group H with seven points from three matches, booking their place in the Round of 16. The European champions will face the runners-up of Group J—either Austria or Algeria—next Thursday in Inglewood, California.

For Uruguay, the tournament ended in disappointment. The two-time world champions failed to win a single match in the group stage. Ranked 19th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, Uruguay became the highest-ranked team to be eliminated from this year's World Cup.