'Hong Myung-bo's team saved by a major boost from Spain,' South Korea's path to Round of 32 becomes visible... Uruguay defeated 1-0 → 'One in three' scenarios met [World Cup On-Site Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Invincible Armada saved Hong Myung-bo's team, which was on the brink of elimination. The scenario for Group H favors the South Korean national football team, which is aiming for a Round of 32 berth.

Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in the final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup held at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, at 6 p.m. local time on the 26th.

Spain secured a Round of 32 berth with two wins and one draw, accumulating seven points and finishing first in the group. Uruguay, with two draws and one loss for just two points, was eliminated.

For Hong Myung-bo's team, which lost its chance of direct qualification and had to rely on scenario calculations, Spain's victory was a major boost. To keep the faint hope of reaching the Round of 32 alive, Spain had to defeat Uruguay in this match.

Now, South Korea can achieve a dramatic Round of 32 berth by meeting two of the scenarios in Groups G, L, K, and J.

At the same time, the match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Group H ended in a 0-0 draw. Cape Verde, with three draws and three points, secured second place and a direct berth to the Round of 32. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, both with two draws and one loss, were confirmed for World Cup elimination.

Spain deployed a 4-3-3 formation. Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), and Lamine Yamal started as the front three, while Pedri (both FC Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), and Miguel Merino (Arsenal) formed the midfield.

The back four consisted of Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), and Marcos Llorente (Atletico), with Unai Simon in goal.

Uruguay set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, placing Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal) at the front, with Maxi Araujo (Sporting), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), and Agustin Canobbio (Fluminense) in the second line. Manu Ugarte (Manchester United) and Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur) occupied the midfield, while Juan Sanaabria (Salt Lake), Matias Oliveira (Napoli), Sebastian Caceres (America), and Guillermo Varela (Flamengo) formed the back four. Fernando Muslera (Estudiantes) guarded the goal.

The first half saw both teams play cautiously, resulting in a tight contest with few shots on target. Uruguay lowered their defensive line and built a thick wall, while Spain maintained possession by circulating the ball from the back.

Uruguay managed the game slightly more efficiently. They targeted Nunez in the front line with direct long balls and counterattacks to exploit Spain's gaps. Spain tried to create space and open up play by utilizing Yamal on the right flank, but they were blocked by Uruguay's compact defense and failed to create any significant threatening moments.

Spain's opening goal came in the 42nd minute of the first half. Baena's right-footed shot flew weakly, but goalkeeper Muslera failed to hold the ball.

Uruguay faced further setbacks after conceding. In the 45th minute of the first half, Ugarte collapsed due to injury and was carried off on a stretcher, with Nicolas de la Cruz coming on as a substitute.

At the start of the second half, Uruguay took the bold step of substituting their goalkeeper. Muslera, who had conceded a goal due to an error, was replaced by substitute goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

Desperate for a goal, Uruguay continued with rough play. As fouls piled up in the midfield, the referee showed yellow cards to Sanaabria and Varela.

In the 11th minute of the second half, Uruguay substituted Valverde for Federico Vinas. In the 15th minute, Spain brought on Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, sending Merino and Pedri to the bench.

In the 18th minute of the second half, Spain missed a crucial opportunity. Yamal penetrated the right flank and delivered an accurate pass, but Olmo's shot missed the target and struck the crossbar.

In the 22nd minute of the second half, Spain substituted Jeremy Pino for Baena, who had scored the opening goal. Uruguay brought on Brian Rodriguez and removed Sanaabria.

As the match remained somewhat static, Spain substituted Yamal and Oyarzabal in the 31st minute of the second half, bringing on Ferran Torres and Nico Williams.

Spain nearly ended the match. In the 41st minute of the second half, Torres received a one-two pass with Ruiz and found himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, but his shot struck the crossbar forcefully.

In stoppage time of the second half, Uruguay self-destructed. Loha was sent off for a reckless foul, and a fight even broke out between the benches.

Uruguay failed to break through Spain's solid back four in open play. No additional goals were scored until the end of stoppage time.

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*This content was translated by AI.