Bielsa: I am responsible, and we deserved more points

Marcelo Bielsa, the coach of the Uruguayan national team, expressed his disappointment following the early exit from the 2026 World Cup after losing to the Spanish team 1-0 in the final round of the group stage.

The coach said in his speech: "It was a tough match. We had some opportunities to score goals, but it didn't happen, and after that, the situation became very difficult."

Regarding the substitution of goalkeeper Muslera at halftime, he explained: "He asked me to replace him, and I did."

Regarding the early elimination from the World Cup, "This is a responsibility during my coaching period. We had potential that I was unable to develop into a team worthy of playing at its level. The responsibility should be placed on me, as I am accountable."

Regarding the substitution of Fede Valverde: "I took Valverde out and brought Vinicius in to give the attack more strength."

He concluded: "If we analyze things in terms of merit, we should have 7 points."