Bielsa's half‑time keeper swap fuels doubts over Uruguay's World Cup

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the decision to replace goalkeeper Fernando Muslera at half‑time was taken by the keeper himself after Muslera’s mishandling of Alex Baena’s shot that led to Spain’s opening goal in a 1‑0 defeat. The change brought Sergio Rochet onto the field, marking the first goalkeeper substitution for Uruguay at a World Cup since the rule was introduced at Mexico 1970. Muslera’s error became the first instance since 1966 of a goalkeeper contributing three mistakes that directly resulted in goals in a single World Cup campaign. After Baena’s shot dribbled past him and into the corner, Muslera was seen furiously shouting in frustration. Bielsa told Uruguayan television, “The Muslera change was not my decision, it was Fernando,” adding that he could not boost the players and wanted more presence in attack after Federico Valverde’s departure. The Argentine is a former Leeds United boss.

Cape Verde’s historic World Cup advance after Uruguay slip

Earlier in the match, Bielsa removed Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde after 56 minutes, citing a subdued performance. Valverde is described as a Real Madrid superstar. Uruguay entered the game needing a draw to qualify from Group J after draws with Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia, but the loss eliminated them by two points. The earlier draws with Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia had left Uruguay on the brink.

Muslera’s mistake hands Spain the lead at World Cup

The defeat and internal disagreements have placed Bielsa’s future in major doubt. Speculation over disagreements in the camp has intensified. Fernando Muslera is an Estudiantes shot‑stopper who has endured a nightmare campaign for La Celeste. He also bundled the ball into his own net during the match.