Luis Suarez scored in the 43rd minute and Uruguay edged Mexico 1-0 Tuesday to secure top spot in Group A.
Mexico also advanced to the round of 16 despite the loss thanks to better goal difference than South Africa, which beat France 2-1.
Suarez ran unmarked to the back post and headed in Edinson Cavani's cross for his first goal of the tournament.
The two countries went into the last group game sharing the lead on four points and needed only a draw to advance but they both fielded attacking lineups. Even so the game yielded few clear goalscoring chances.
Uruguay, which didn't concede a goal in the first round, ended the group phase with seven points.
Mexico and South Africa both finished with four points.
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