Spain player ratings v Uruguay as Baena scores and Bielsa’s side are eliminated | OneFootball

After Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, Spain faced historic Uruguay. Luis de la Fuente’s side needed only a point to clinch top spot, yet banked a second win as Bielsa’s team went out. Álex Baena struck before the break with a shot Muslera spilled.

El Periódico Mediterráneo sets out Spain’s player ratings from a demanding tie. Unai Simón stayed unbeaten, sharper after an early wobble and clean with his distribution. Marcos Llorente’s cross sparked the opener and he defended soundly.

Pau Cubarsí was outstanding under pressure, passing bravely with veteran poise despite a wild Canobbio tackle. Aymeric Laporte read the game well and stepped in decisively. Marc Cucurella mixed adventure with a costly lapse, then tightened up after half-time.

Rodri anchored intelligently without hitting peak level. Pedri stitched play together but took heavy treatment that largely went unpunished. Mikel Merino worked hard and later made way for Dani Olmo.

Lamine Yamal was lively early and created a gilt-edged chance for Olmo, also taking a reckless Sanabria hit. Mikel Oyarzabal toiled without the final touch. Baena, used off the left, offered runs into space and the goal before Yeremi Pino replaced him.

Olmo added craft, missed that big chance and appeared to win a penalty against Viñas that neither referee nor VAR awarded. Fabián Ruiz was imprecise. Yeremi was hindered by injury and finished up as a nine, while Ferran Torres hit the bar again in this World Cup. Nico Williams saw little action and was fouled by De la Cruz.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo