Spain have progressed to the knockout stage of the Under-20 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ghana this evening.

The Spanish team took the lead after just 17 minutes when Denis Suarez burst into the penalty area before picking out Jese, who smashed the ball into the net for his third goal of the tournament.

Ghana had a couple of chances to get themselves back on level terms before the half-time interval, but keeper Daniel Sotres was alert in the Spain goal to ensure that they led at the break.

Ghana tried to get striker Francis Narh more involved at the start of the second half, but a series of passes meant for the forward failed to find their target.

The African side continued to press throughout the second period, but Spain were solid at the back, giving their opponents few easy chances to find an equaliser.

Jairo had a good chance to put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, but the Racing Santander striker blasted his shot straight at the Ghanaian keeper.