Nico Williams was on the receiving end of a sickening tackle during Spain's 1-0 win over Uruguay and as a result of the challenge, his World Cup involvement was thrust into doubt22:11, 27 Jun 2026Updated 22:17, 27 Jun 2026Spain star Nico Williams has furiously taken aim at World Cup rival Nicolas de la Cruz after his tackle sparked fresh injury worries for the European Champions. The 23-year-old described the robust tackle from the Uruguay midfielder as 'completely unnecessary' and labelled it as one of the 'worst days' of his life.‌Spain rounded off their group stage with a 1-0 win over the South American side after Alex Baena's first-half effort was enough to seal the points. However, the match was overshadowed as tensions and Uruguayan frustration boiled over after they crashed out of the World Cup at the first hurdle.‌De la Cruz replaced Manuel Ugarte after the Manchester United midfielder was carried off on a stretcher with a suspected serious knee injury. The 29-year-old, who plies his trade in Brazil with Flamengo, made a cynical tackle on Williams as he senselessly hacked at the forward during a counter-attack.‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Williams took to social media, posting a black and white picture of his angry reaction to the midfielders' challenge. He wrote: "Today is one of the worst days of my life. I've been injured again after a very difficult year, in which pubalgia won many battles, but not the war. I managed to overcome it with hard work, sacrifice, and above all, responsibility."It was a year and a half of suffering, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety. I didn't know when I would be able to play without pain again or when I would get back to a normal life. I even had to live with the pain in simple things like going to the bathroom, getting in and out of the car, or simply enjoying everyday life.‌"Being happy playing football again was my top priority, along with getting my smile back. Because without a smile, without enjoying it, and without being happy, I can't perform at my best. I overcame it. Then a hamstring injury appeared, which tested me again. Once again, I stopped smiling, but I wasn't going to stop."On the tackle, Williams said that it "was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary.‌"But this isn't going to stop me. I know God has a plan for me, and I will keep fighting until the very last moment to get back to doing what I love most: playing football, being happy, and bringing joy to others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone for your messages of support. The story isn't over; I'll see you as soon as possible at this World Cup."His international teammates rushed to support him after the emotional statement as he lifted the curtain on his struggles during the infancy of his professional career. Barcelona star Lamine Yamal offered his backing with emojis while Dani Olmo commented: "Together, brother."Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres were among those in the comments section. As well as Liverpool summer signing Victor Munoz, he said: "Stay strong, brother, we're with you!"‌Fortunately for Spain, one of the favourites to win this summer's World Cup, the injury for Williams is not expected to rule him for the rest of the tournament.Since starring for La Roja during their European Championships success in Germany, with their crowning moment against England in Berlin, Williams has been plagued with injury issues.The incident in Guadalajara, Mexico, threatened to spark a new wave of injury problems for the promising forward. However, the Spanish medical team have confirmed that the tackle left the Athletic Bilbao star with an adductor injury while Yeremy Pino suffered a collarbone ligaments sprain with both injuries not as bad as first feared.Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consent