Man Utd injury blow, Bielsa rages, Iran anguish – World Cup round-up | Football | Sport
Manuel Ugarte picked up a knee injury which saw him stretchered off at the World Cup (Image: (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP via Getty Images))
Here is everything you need to know about what unfolded overnight at the World Cup…
- Marcelo Bielsa was incensed in the immediate wake of Uruguay’s World Cup elimination. During one post-match interview, he launched into a rather alarming tirade at the journalist posing questions.
- The 70-year-old ultimately accepted responsibility for his side’s disappointing tournament campaign, bluntly stating: “Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible and I have to accept it.”
- During their 1-0 defeat to Spain, Manuel Ugarte was forced off with a knee injury. Manchester United had been expected to offload the midfielder this summer, though those plans may well change should he face a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
- Fernando Muslera was another player substituted for Uruguay, with Bielsa revealing the experienced goalkeeper had requested to be withdrawn.
- The round of 32 is beginning to take shape, with Spain, Cape Verde, Belgium and Egypt joining those sides already through to the next stage.
- Iran thought they had also secured a spot but their last-gasp winner against Egypt was ruled out for offside.
- Before that, Alex Baena’s goal helped the European champions claim top spot in Group H, with Cape Verde finishing as runners-up in a historic achievement.
- A brace from Arsenal‘s Leandro Trossard helped Belgium thrash New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of their group with Egypt in second.
- Without kicking a ball, England, Portugal, Paraguay and Ghana have also progressed from the group stage, as it is mathematically impossible for any of them to finish among the four worst third-placed teams.
- Further round of 32 fixtures have also been confirmed, with Paraguay vs Germany and Cape Verde vs Argentina among the upcoming clashes.
- Scotland remain on a knife-edge but are still in contention following the latest round of results. Steve Clarke’s men now require a very specific set of circumstances to unfold, including DR Congo failing to beat Uzbekistan and Ghana defeating Croatia by three or more goals.
