Uruguay have exited the World Cup at the group stage in back-to-back tournaments for the first time after defeat to Spain in Guadalajara.The two-time champions managed by Marcelo Bielsa lost 1-0 to Spain at Estadio Akron in a game in which their starting goalkeeper was substituted at half-time and a Uruguay player was sent off late on, before confronting the referee.
The eventual winner for the European champions Spain came from Alex Baena in the 42nd minute, squeezing through the grasp of Uruguay’s experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Bielsa’s side suffered a double blow as midfielder Manuel Ugarte had to be taken off on a stretcher before half-time with an apparent injury.
After the break, Muslera was replaced with Sergio Rochet. Bielsa later told Uruguayan TV that Muslera had made the decision himself. Bielsa also took off his captain Federico Valverde in the 57th minute, sparking anger from the Real Madrid midfielder.Ferran Torres missed a huge chance to confirm Spain’s victory in the 86th minute when he hit the crossbar after being sent through on goal and a late penalty appeal on Uruguay’s Matias Vinas was waved away. Agustin Conobbio also saw red in stoppage time for flying in on Pau Cubarsi, then pulled referee Ismail Elfath’s shirt as he protested the decision.The win means Luis de la Fuente’s side progress to a round of 32 tie against Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Tuesday.Jacob Whitehead and Jack Lang analyse the key talking points.What does this mean for the round of 32?As winners of group H, Spain will play their round of 32 game in Los Angeles on July 2 the runner-up in group J, which at present is Austria, who are tied on three points with Algeria and can cement that place by winning or drawing when the two teams play on Saturday.
