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Álex Baena's first-half goal was enough to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara, eliminating the South Americans from the 2026 World Cup. The goal came after a costly error by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who allowed Baena's shot to slip through his hands in the 41st minute Source: excelsiormx. Muslera was substituted at halftime and is likely to be remembered as the villain of Uruguay's campaign Source: elconfidencial.
The defeat caps a turbulent period for Uruguay, with reports of a player revolt against coach Marcelo Bielsa. According to multiple sources, captain Federico Valverde along with Sergio Rochet, Manuel Ugarte, and Rodrigo Bentancur confronted Bielsa in a 50-minute meeting before the match, questioning his intense training methods and tactical approach Source: excelsiormx. Bielsa responded with a 48-minute monologue defending his methods, but the rift appears deep Source: elespanol. Valverde, who was substituted in the 65th minute, has been at the center of the crisis Source: elconfidencial.
For Baena, the goal marks a personal triumph. The Atlético Madrid midfielder has a long-running feud with Valverde, stemming from a 2023 incident where Valverde punched him after a match. Baena admitted the incident 'marked a before and after' in his career and that he 'almost quit football' due to the ensuing death threats Source: elconfidencial. Despite the tension, Baena expressed empathy for Muslera: 'It must be a very hard moment for him' Source: infobae. Spain now advances to the round of 16, likely facing Austria.
“Fernando Muslera se convirtió en el gran villano de Uruguay durante el primer tiempo ante España, cometiendo un ‘oso’ flagrante en el final del primer tiempo y concediendo el tanto para Álex Baena; el error del portero de 40 años le costó salir al medio tiempo, cediéndole el sitio a Sergio Rochet.”
“España echó a Uruguay del Mundial y estará en los dieciseisavos de final del Mundial en el mejor lado del cuadro (0-1). Un error grosero de Muslera, que será invitado en cada bar español que pise durante el próximo lustro, permitió a Álex Baena celebrar su primer gol en un Mundial.”
“El mediocampista y capitán del combinado sudamericano, Federico Valverde, encabezó una tensa reunión junto a los referentes Sergio Rochet, Manuel Ugarte y Rodrigo Bentancur para manifestar su abierta inconformidad ante el director técnico Marcelo Bielsa, sacudiendo por completo la estabilidad de la concentración charrúa.”
“"Creo que ha habido un poco de todo. Un buen centro, un buen desmarque, buen control y luego el tiro. Es verdad que no tiene mucha fortuna el portero de Uruguay, pero acaba entrando, que es lo más importante", detalló Baena en zona mixta tras la victoria.”