Muslera asked to come off at half-time, Spain rematch decides everything

Bielsa: Muslera asked to come off at half-time

Fernando Muslera made the call himself. Marcelo Bielsa told El Pais Uruguay after the Cape Verde draw that subbing the goalkeeper at the break was not his decision, Muslera wanted out.

"That was not my decision, it was Muslera's decision. He wanted to come off."

No injury details followed. Uruguay conceded twice in that first half, including the late equalizer that sparked the fair-play controversy. Now a must-win against Spain looms, and your goalkeeper's state of mind is suddenly a question.

Spain awaits with the group on the line

Uruguay sit second in Group H after a 0–0 with Spain and that 2–2 draw against debutants Cape Verde. One group match remains. Spain again.

A win sends you through. Anything less, and Cape Verde could leapfrog you. Argentina have already topped their group, a last-32 clash with the reigning champions is the prize awaiting if Uruguay stumble.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood is raw. One fan on r/worldcup called Uruguay "disgraceful this World Cup" and took aim at Bielsa, the forwards, and Muslera, describing the keeper as having "wrists made of soggy paper." On r/soccer, the Muslera substitution thread drew attention for how calmly Bielsa dropped the news: the veteran keeper simply did not want to continue.