Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 on Wednesday to inflict a second defeat on the Middle Eastern team, who became the first side from Asia to be sent packing from the World Cup in Russia.
The result also meant that the South American side and hosts Russia are confirmed for the knockout stage.
In Rostov-on-Don, Barcelona striker Luis Suarez again proved the key man for Uruguay, and the stats tell the story of how important he has been in his 100 caps for his nation.
His goal against Saudi Arabia was his 52nd in Uruguay blue and sixth at World Cups. He also became the first Uruguayan to score at three editions of the tournament.
(Getty/Kyodo)
Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez was full of praise for his star.
"I thought he played a lot better today than in the first match, especially because he was fighting hard and was very fit, very physical. He fought for the ball and he defended. He worked to regain possession," said Tabarez.
"He is a fundamental, crucial player to our national squad because he shows solidarity on the pitch. He has a sense of responsibility and an enormous capacity to score goals."
Saudi Arabia put on a much better performance than they did in their 5-0 humbling at the hands of Russia in the World Cup opener, but despite having ample possession, they were unable to puncture the Uruguayan defense regularly.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais will not want to see replays of the Suarez goal.
The 26-year-old made a hash of a corner, jumping in an attempt to get a hand to the ball but he misjudged badly, flailing at thin air as it fell to the foot of Suarez who finished easily.
Saudi Arabia responded well, though. Two good chances, both for Hatan Bahbri, could have produced more. The first, in the 25th minute, saw Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera push a long-range shot over the bar and three minutes later the winger sent a sharp half-volley over.
Uruguay next face Russia to see which team will win Group A, both assured of moving on after the hosts beat Egypt 3-1 on Tuesday. Egypt have also been eliminated.
Cristiano Ronaldo nosed ahead in the race for the golden boot, scoring the only goal in Portugal's 1-0 win over Morocco.
The Real Madrid superstar was at it again at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, scoring in just the fourth minute, this time with his head.
Ronaldo's 85th international goal put him in front of Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas as Europe's all-time top goal-scorer with only Iran's Ali Daei (109) ahead on the overall list.
Portugal's win ended Morocco's hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase.
The North Africans posed a stiff challenge throughout, finishing with 16 shots, four on target, to Portugal's 10, while holding possession and territory advantages.
With one win and that spectacular 3-3 draw in their first match against Spain, Portugal next take on Iran with a chance to top Group B with a win.
Spain also kept alive their hopes of winning the group by beating Iran 1-0 in the day's third and final match.
Played at Kazan Arena, Spain had to wait until the 54th minute for Diego Costa to net what would prove to be the winner.
The Atletico Madrid striker has proved a lifesaver for the 2010 champions, his two goals helping them draw with Portugal and on Wednesday he again came to the rescue.
About 10 minutes after the goal, Iran -- who impressed throughout -- were mere centimeters away from pulling even when Saeid Ezatolahi latched onto a free kick and slammed it home.
But in chaotic scenes, the Video Assistant Referee intervened and ruled the defensive midfielder offside, breaking Iranian hearts.
