Manuel Ugarte injured his knee and was forced to leave the World Cup on a stretcher (Image: (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP via Getty Images))
Here’s everything you need to know about what happened on World Cup night…
Marcelo Bielsa was furious after Uruguay’s World Cup exit. In one post-match interview, he went on a rather alarming rant against a journalist who asked him a question. The 70-year-old finally accepted responsibility for his team’s disappointing tournament performance, stating bluntly: “Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football are rightly trying to put the blame on me. I am in charge and I have to accept that.” During the 1-0 loss to Spain, Manuel Ugarte was forced off with a knee injury. Manchester United were expected to sell the midfielder this summer, but there is a good chance that those plans could change if he faces a long-term absence. Fernando Muslera will also be substituted for Uruguay, with manager Bielsa confirming he has asked the experienced goalkeeper to withdraw. The round of 32 was starting to take shape, with Spain, Cape Verde, Belgium and Egypt joining the teams already progressing to the next stage, with Iran also thinking they had secured a spot. However, the final deciding goal against Egypt was ruled out for offside. Earlier, Alex Baena’s goal secured the European champions top spot in Group H, with Cape Verde finishing runners-up in a historic feat. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1, moving them into second place with Egypt at the top of their group. England, Portugal, Paraguay and Ghana, who did not kick the ball, also advanced from the league. In the group stage, it is mathematically impossible for any team to be ranked among the worst four teams in the top three, so upcoming matches in the round of 32 have also been decided, with Paraguay vs. Germany, Cape Verde vs. Argentina, etc. scheduled. Scotland remain in a precarious situation, but still in contention following the results of the latest round. Steve Clarke’s side currently have to play out a very unique set of circumstances, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo unable to beat Uzbekistan and Ghana defeating Croatia by more than three goals.
