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Spain has defeated Uruguay in the North and Central America World Cup. With Uruguay, the third-place team in Group H, finishing the qualifiers with fewer points than South Korea, Hong Myung-bo's team can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.

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Spain, looking to secure the top spot in Group H, and Uruguay, which desperately needed a win to advance to the Round of 32, engaged in a fierce battle throughout the first half.

The tense 0-0 deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute of the first half.

Spain's Baena connected with a cross from the right with a turning shot, and the ball rolled into the net after deflecting off the hands of the Uruguayan goalkeeper to become the opening goal.

A desperate Uruguay launched an all-out offensive throughout the second half but failed to break through Spain's defense. Instead, they self-destructed when Canobbio was sent off for a rough tackle during second-half stoppage time.

Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 and claimed first place in Group H.

Uruguay finished third in the group with 2 draws and 1 loss, ending with 2 points, placing them behind South Korea, which has 3 points.

Among the third-place teams from the 12 groups, the top 8 nations advance to the Round of 32. South Korea has managed to breathe a sigh of relief by surpassing Uruguay, following Scotland.

In the previously held Group I third-place decider, Senegal crushed Iraq 5-0 to finish third with 1 win and 2 losses.

Senegal has the same 3 points as South Korea, but they are ahead of us in goal difference.

Meanwhile, the clash of the century between France's Mbappe and Norway's Haaland was canceled due to Haaland's absence. France secured first place in their group by defeating Norway 4-1, led by a hat-trick from Dembele.

(Video Editing: Lee Jaesung)