Bielsa says Muslera asked to be substituted at half-time after failure

After being eliminated from the World Cup, in a match with yet another mistake from goalkeeper Muslera - who was substituted in the middle of the game - Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa revealed that the player asked to leave.

In the 41st minute, Spanish player Baena received a cross and hit it without much force, but Muslera failed to make the save and saw the ball die in the back of the net.

The error cost the experienced Uruguayan goalkeeper dearly. Replaced at half-time, Muslera gave way to Rochet, Internacional's goalkeeper, chosen by coach Marcelo Bielsa to play the entire second stage. The goalkeeper didn't even return to the bench. In total, he made five serious mistakes in the World Cup.

In the debut match, he sent a rebound into the middle of the area that resulted in a goal for Saudi Arabia, in a 1-1 draw with Celeste Olímpica. Next, against Cape Verde, Fernando Muslera made a mistake by poorly organizing the wall on Kevin Pina's free kick and failed to leave the area for the African team's second goal, scored by Hélio Varela. The duel ended in a 2-2 draw.

Bitter elimination
The need to score to guarantee a place in the knockout stage left the duel between Spain and Uruguay balanced and closely contested in the initial stage. Despite only depending on a draw to advance, the Spanish controlled possession of the ball and tried to dictate the pace of the match. The Uruguayans, pressured by the obligation to win, opted for a more cautious stance and quick attacks.

Opportunities, however, were scarce. The only shot that hit the target in the first half ended up defining the score. In the 41st minute, Baena received a cross and hit without much force, but Muslera failed to make the save and saw the ball die in the back of the net.

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The error cost the experienced Uruguayan goalkeeper dearly. Replaced at half-time, Muslera gave way to Rochet, Internacional's goalkeeper, chosen by coach Marcelo Bielsa to play the entire second stage. Goalkeeper Muslera didn't even return to the bench.

Without the goal to seal the victory, the Spanish gave hope to the Uruguayans, who did not create many chances without a creative midfield, especially after the replacement of leader and star Fede Valverde.

In the final stretch, after the table, Fernan Torres came in free, facing Rochet. But he hit the crossbar, missing the best chance of the second half.

In the last minute, Fluminense striker Cannobio was sent off after tackling Cubarsí.

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Source: CNN