The early hours of Saturday morning saw the conclusion of Group H at this year's World Cup. Uruguay took on European champions Spain in a match they could not lose and Cape Verde faced Saudi Arabia where both sides aimed to defy the odds and make it through to the Round of 32.

The match began with Spain controlling possession and defending comfortably against a Uruguay side who struggled to create chances. Spain had some good moves early on and dominated the midfield. 

Federico Valverde found space on the right in the 27th minute and he played a well-weighted pass to striker Darwin Nunez, but the former Liverpool man failed to convert the chance.

The bright spark for La Celeste was Maximiliano Araujo once again. The winger went on a good run in the 36th minute, breezing past multiple Spanish players, and found Rodrigo Bentancur near to the edge of the Spain box. He took on a shot, which would have to be special to beat Unai Simon from that range, but his effort flew over the crossbar.

As half-time approached, neither side had registered a shot on target, but Spain looked more of a threat in attack. The intensity increased towards the break and the deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute. 

Marcos Llorente put the cross in, which was met first by Alex Baena. He then created a bit of space for himself and took on the shot which seemed like quite a tame effort. But a slight bobble before reaching Fernando Muslera saw the ball roll into the bottom corner over the hands of the veteran goalkeeper - a moment to forget for him.

Manuel Ugarte was also stretchered off just before half-time after going over on what looked like his ankle. This came as an extra blow for Marcelo Bielsa's side, making it an uphill battle for the second 45 minutes. Baena's goal saw Uruguay go behind for the third group match in a row, highlighting how they have made games difficult for themselves.

After the half-time break, Bielsa decided to substitute Muslera in what could now be his last match in a Uruguay shirt. His side began the half aggressively, tackling hard and pressing high.

Valverde was also replaced, this time after 56 minutes, as Bielsa changed shape to a 4-4-2. With his man-to-man pressing style, Bielsa's side tried to play more on the front foot in the later stages in search of an equaliser. The match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia remained 0-0 at this point, meaning Uruguay were on the verge of elimination. 

For a short period, it looked like the momentum had shifted in Uruguay's favour as they pushed for a goal. But as time slipped away, Spain's confidence grew. Bielsa's side did not give up but they became visibly frustrated, throwing in late challenges and complaining to the referee. 

With them pushing high up the pitch, gaps began to form at the back, which Spain looked to capitalise on. Substitute Ferran Torres had the best chance of the half after he cleverly took it past Mathias Olivera with a delicate touch. Then, one-on-one with Sergio Rochet, he hit the crossbar and missed a chance to double La Roja's lead.

As time ran out, frustration creeped in more and more for Uruguay. Augustin Canobbio put in a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi with virtually the last action of the match, resulting in a straight red card. As the full-time whistle blew, Uruguayan hearts broke as their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup was confirmed.

After failing to avoid defeat to Spain, Uruguay were eliminated from the World Cup. Their first two matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde both resulted in a draw, leaving them in a difficult position.

With just two points, they were not able to qualify in third place. This has come as a huge shock, as the South Americans were favourites to finish second in their group before the beginning of the tournament.

With many rumours of discontent within the team, as well as with manager Marcelo Bielsa, a change could be made with the disappointing conclusion of their campaign. La Celeste underwhelmed throughout their three matches, failing to win either and struggling to show their quality. 

Despite having numerous Premier League and La Liga talents, the team did not click. Their loss to Spain left them on two points in third place and saw debutants Cape Verde advance to the Round of 32, where they will face holders Argentina.

Whilst the tournament favourites have not set the World Cup alight just yet, their obvious quality and know-how has seen them stroll through the group stage.

La Roja ended the group stage unbeaten on seven points, claiming wins against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The second match saw them back to their best, whilst today's game showed how they are able to see out a tough match.

Lamine Yamal managed over 75 minutes, his most this tournament, and the midfield overpowered Uruguay's. Luis de la Fuente's team controlled possession and prevented Uruguay from creating many chances. While we have not seen them at their best just yet, they will be a force as the tournament goes on.

They are now set to face the team that finished second in Group J, most likely Austria, where they will be aiming to continue building momentum in sight of pushing to win the competition.