Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa explains stunning Fernando Muslera half-time change after howler against Spain
Fernando Muslera was hauled off at half-time by Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa to end a humiliating World Cup 2026 campaign during their 1-0 defeat to Spain.
The Estudiantes shot-stopper has endured a nightmare campaign for La Celeste, with his mishandling of Alex Baena’s shot leading to Spain’s opener.
Muslera’s latest error created history for the wrong reasons as the first time a goalkeeper has contributed three errors that have led to goals in one World Cup campaign since records began in 1966.
Muslera could be seen after Baena’s shot dribbled past him and into the corner furiously shouting in frustration.
And Bielsa explained after the crushing defeat that it was not his decision to remove Muslera at the break, with Sergio Rochet sent on in his place, instead the former Leeds United boss explained that goalkeeper decided to come off himself.
“The Muslera change was not my decision, it was Fernando,” Bielsa told Uruguayan television.
“I couldn’t boost the Uruguay players, I leave nothing to the country, with Valverde’s departure I wanted more presence in the attack.”
It is also the first time that Uruguay have substituted their goalkeeper at the World Cup since substitutions were permitted at Mexico 1970.
Uruguay needed to draw against Spain to qualify from Group J after draws with Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia, but defeat has now eliminated them on two points.
Bielsa’s future is in major doubt after speculation over disagreements in the camp, while another controversial decision saw him remove Real Madrid superstar Federico Valverde after 56 minutes following a subdued performance.
