Alex Baena's clinical finish three minutes before half-time gave Spain a deserved 1-0 win over Uruguay at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Friday night.
The result moves Spain to seven points from three Group H games. Uruguay are left with just two points and face a nervous wait to learn their knockout-stage fate.
Uruguay head coach sat Darwin Núñez as the lone striker, flanked by Maximiliano Araújo and Agustín Canobbio, with Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur anchoring the midfield behind.
Marcos Llorente picked up the ball wide on the right and slid a precise low cross into Baena, who finished calmly into the bottom corner on 42 minutes to fire Spain in front.
Juan Sanabria was booked on 54 minutes after a cynical foul. Guillermo Varela followed four minutes later, leaving Uruguay's backline stretched and exposed for long spells.
Uruguay's evening ended badly when Agustín Canobbio received a straight red card deep in stoppage time. The winger will now miss any potential knockout fixture if Uruguay advance.
Nicolás de la Cruz also picked up a late yellow card in added time, compounding a miserable conclusion for Uruguay after a match they rarely threatened to change.
Cape Verde Islands and Saudi Arabia both still have a game to play. A poor result for either side could yet open the door for Uruguay to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Spain face the knockout rounds with confidence. Their possession numbers, territorial dominance, and controlled victory here suggest Luis de la Fuente's side are building real momentum in this tournament.
