Uruguay crashed out of the FIFA World Cup on Friday after veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s costly error handed Spain a 1-0 victory in Guadalajara, sealing top spot in Group H for the European champions.
Alex Baena’s tame effort slipped through Muslera’s hands shortly before halftime for the only goal of the match, allowing Spain to avoid a potentially daunting Round of 32 meeting with defending champions Argentina.
Instead, Luis de la Fuente’s side will face either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Uruguay’s elimination also confirmed World Cup debutants Cape Verde as group runners-up after their goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, setting up a blockbuster knockout clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Two-time world champions Uruguay became the highest-ranked team to exit at the group stage, bringing a disappointing campaign under Marcelo Bielsa to an abrupt end.
After opening the tournament with draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, reports emerged of unrest within the Uruguay camp, with senior players, including Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, reportedly at odds with Bielsa over his tactical approach.
The coach further fuelled speculation by substituting Valverde just after the hour mark, while later revealing that Muslera himself had requested to be replaced at halftime.
“Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible, and I have to accept it,” Bielsa said after the match.
Spain’s King Felipe VI was among the spectators, but the meeting between two former World Cup winners failed to live up to expectations.
The return of Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup had sparked Spain’s attack in their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia after an underwhelming goalless draw with Cape Verde, but La Roja once again struggled to create clear-cut chances.
The victory secured first place in the group, yet Luis de la Fuente will have concerns heading into the knockout rounds.
Spain’s injury worries
Spain’s problems were compounded by injuries, with Yeremy Pino suffering a shoulder issue that could end his tournament, while Nico Williams also finished the match nursing a muscle problem.
“In football, you can’t always play with the brilliance you wish for, or that we are capable of showing at other times,” De la Fuente said.
“We maintained an incredibly high level of concentration, responsibility and composure, and we avoided rising to the many provocations that could have led to serious trouble.”
A key figure in Uruguay’s run to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals, Muslera had already endured a difficult tournament after mistakes contributed to both Cape Verde goals in a 2-2 draw.
His misery continued in Guadalajara.
Spain had created little before Marcos Llorente’s cross found Baena, whose low shot appeared harmless until Muslera inexplicably allowed the ball to slip through his grasp and over the line in the 42nd minute.
Muslera was replaced by Sergio Rochet at the interval, while Bielsa made another bold decision by withdrawing Valverde midway through the second half.
Yamal was substituted with 15 minutes remaining as Spain continued to carefully manage the teenager’s workload following the hamstring injury that prematurely ended his club season.
Substitute Ferran Torres came close to doubling Spain’s lead late on but struck the crossbar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Uruguay’s miserable campaign ended on another sour note in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Despite extending their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 34 and remaining yet to concede a goal at this World Cup, Spain have still not fully convinced as genuine contenders.
Compared with the attacking displays produced by France, Argentina and the Netherlands, La Roja have yet to hit top gear in their pursuit of a second world title.
AFP
