World Cup round-up: Bielsa’s mad interview, Man Utd harm catastrophe, Scotland’s faint hope
The World Cup continued into the early hours of Saturday morning in dramatic fashion, with the full line-up for the round of 32 nearly complete
Uruguay Marcelo Bielsa was fuming in his post-match interview after the World Cup defeat to Spain(Image: X)
Four World Cup games took place overnight with red cards, injury blows, dramatic twists all taking place. The highlight was undoubtedly Cape Verde’s progression into the knockout stages following a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia with Spain helping them finish second in Group H by beating Uruguay.
The European champions’ clash against Marcelo Bielsa’s side had everything apart from sustained goalmouth action with just 11 shots taken in the whole game. There was however, several flashpoints, shock substitutions and a very angry Bielsa after the loss.
Later on in the early hours of Saturday morning, Belgium finally arrived to the World Cup while Egypt were able to hang onto a favourable knockout route at the expense of Iran. With all of that being said, Star Sport has got you covered for the things you would have missed out on overnight
Bielsa rages
Marcelo Bielsa is known to be quite the hot-head and it is fair to say he was livid following Uruguay’s World Cup elimination. In one post-match interview, he rather alarmingly shouted at the journalist posing questions.
The former Leeds United boss did eventually accept responsibility for his team’s disappointing performance in the tournament. He stated bluntly: “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.”
Ugarte injury
During the 1-0 loss to Spain, Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off after a team-mate awkwardly landed on his knee while he was stretching in to make a challenge. The unfortunate incident occurred just before half-time, with Spain scoring while he was in real discomfort on the ground.
The 25-year-old buried his head in his shirt and was inconsolable as he was carried down the tunnel. Manchester United are expected to offload the midfielder this summer, but those plans may well alter if he is set for an extended absence.
Muslera embarrassment and late red card
Fernando Muslera was another player substituted for Uruguay but his withdrawal was arguably far more brutal.
The experienced goalkeeper was at fault for Alex Baena’s goal and Bielsa revealed after the game that the 40-year-old had asked to be taken off at half-time. He also did not appear in the Uruguay dugout for the second half.
Agustin Canobbio was another that didn’t finish the game as he was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Agustin Canobbio was another that didn’t finish the game as he was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
He had clashed with referee Ismail Elfath on several occasions before he was left with no choice but to send him off The Fluminense star protested the dismissal and tried to further confront officials at full-time, but was dragged away by team-mates.
Round of 32 updates as nine teams qualify
Eight more teams have qualified for the World Cup round of 32 and over half of those nations have advanced without even kicking a ball.
England, Portugal, Paraguay, Ghana and Senegal have all progressed with results elsewhere making it mathematically impossible for them to be knocked out. Egypt played overnight but had sealed their spot prior to a 1-1 draw against Iran.
The latter thought they had snatched second in Group G only for a stoppage time winner to be ruled out for offside. Iran are currently in the top eight for best third-placed teams but face an anxious wait to see if they qualify.
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Belgium topped that group with a dominant 5-1 win over New Zealand to join Spain and Cape Verde as teams to advance through their own positive result.
Additional round of 32 fixtures have also now been confirmed with Paraguay set to Germany and Cape Verde taking on world champions Argentina.
What Scotland need…
It was all going so well for Scotland after Uruguay lost to Spain but the Tartan Army are now on the brink of elimination after Egypt failed to beat Iran.
There is however, still a scenario in which Steve Clarke’s side go through but that involves some very particular outcomes that are Ghana beating Croatia by three or more goals, Uzbekistan drawing with Congo or the latter losing by a maximum of 3 goals.
Finally, they would need Austria to beat Algeria by two goals or the African nation to triumph by a margin of four or more.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code DEAL.
