FIFA World Cup
Spain clinched the World Cup title the last time they succeeded in multiple tournament matches [Getty Images]
Uruguay’s World Cup journey has come to an end, primarily due to another blunder from Fernando Muslera, resulting in their loss to Spain. Head coach Marcelo Bielsa opted to substitute the veteran goalkeeper at halftime.
Advertisement
Spain, the reigning European champions, were nearly assured of advancing to the knockout stage even before the match began. However, Alex Baena‘s goal just before halftime allowed them to top Group H and set them up to face Group J’s runners-up.
Adding to Uruguay’s woes, midfielder Agustin Canobbio received a red card during stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Bielsa’s team required a positive outcome to advance; however, the defeat marked their second consecutive exit at the group stage of the World Cup, finishing with just two points from three matches.
Spain opened the scoring in the 42nd minute after withstanding a phase of pressure from Uruguay, with Baena managing to find the net with a low shot, even though 40-year-old goalkeeper Muslera managed to get a hand to the ball.
Advertisement
Uruguay expressed discontent as their opponents did not halt play during the lead-up to the goal while Manuel Ugarte lay injured after what seemed like a minor collision. The Manchester United midfielder received treatment before being taken off on a stretcher.
Following three matches that each featured an error leading to a goal, Muslera, making his 137th appearance, was substituted at halftime in favor of Sergio Rochet.
The substitution had little effect as Spain controlled the second half, although they could not extend their lead.
Uruguay made a late attempt to salvage their tournament hopes, but they consistently failed to challenge Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon seriously.
Advertisement
Returning to the starting lineup, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez squandered two clear chances within two minutes shortly after the hydration break.
Bielsa’s side looked stronger until Muslera’s mistake, but it wasn’t until the last ten minutes that they truly began to test Simon.
Spain’s substitute Ferran Torres struck the crossbar late in the game, as Spain secured their second tournament victory, a feat they hadn’t achieved in a World Cup since their triumph in 2010.
Spain Not Yet at Full Speed as Bielsa’s Tenure Hits a Bump
After facing criticism for a lackluster performance in their goalless draw against Cape Verde, Spain showcased their attacking capabilities with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second match.
Advertisement
In the match against Uruguay, Luis de la Fuente’s squad proved they could grind out results against tough, physical opponents, a skill that may be crucial in the knockout stages.
However, Spain didn’t quite find their rhythm—they managed only six shots, with just one on target, marking the first time they had less possession than an opponent in a World Cup match since 2002.
On the bright side, La Roja achieved the remarkable feat of not conceding a single goal during the group stage.
Though improvement is needed, it is still early in the tournament.
For Uruguay, this premature World Cup exit reflects a broader trend that began with the 2024 Copa America.
Advertisement
Throughout this tournament, the two-time champions never exhibited traits typical of a Bielsa side. In their match against Spain, their brief moments of pressing aside, they managed only one shot on target—an astonishing feat for a typical Bielsa team.
It was Bielsa’s choice to bring Muslera out of international retirement this year, but now he stands as the first goalkeeper in history (since 1966) to commit three errors leading to goals in a single World Cup.
The image of a coach facing scrutiny substituting a national legend may define Bielsa’s tenure with Uruguay.
Next Steps for Both Teams
Spain is set to face either Austria or Algeria in the last 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday, July 2 (20:00 BST).
Advertisement
The two teams from Group J will go head-to-head on Sunday, June 28 (03:00 BST) to decide who secures a spot to face Spain.