Bielsa accepts blame for World Cup exit, but says Uruguay deserved more

Marcelo Bielsa accepted full responsibility for Uruguay’s World Cup elimination but argued his side deserved far more than the two points they collected. A 1‑0 defeat to Spain, sealed by another costly error from veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, confirmed their exit after frustrating draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. Bielsa said Uruguay “deserved seven points,” lamenting their poor conversion of chances and the avoidable nature of the goals conceded.

Muslera, at fault in previous matches, asked to be substituted at half‑time, while Bielsa’s decision to remove Federico Valverde later sparked debate. The coach defended his choices, explaining he sought greater physical presence in attack and wished to maintain Muslera’s confidence despite his struggles.

Bielsa acknowledged the criticism coming his way, insisting he is “the person responsible.” Uruguay, the highest‑ranked team to fall in the group stage, leave the tournament amid reports of internal tension and a sense of deep underachievement.