Marcelo Bielsa has taken the blame for Uruguays World Cup exit, admitting he has left no legacy in the countrys footballing history. A 1-0 loss to Spain in Guadalajara ensured Uruguay finished third in Group H, with the tournaments surprise package, Cape Verde, continuing their fairytale debut campaign by reaching the knockout stages. Uruguays two points were not enough to scrape through as one of the eight best third-placed teams, and they crash out in the group stage for a second successive World Cup campaign. Bielsas frustration was there for all to see at full time when, prior to a post-match interview that lasted just 30 seconds, he angrily shouted get on with it. Later, the 70-year-old, who had admitted to being a toxic perfectionist before the tournament, offered no excuses for his teams underwhelming showing. He said: I am responsible for this disappointment. Obviously, I dont need to define this performance if you ask me how my time [with the national team] will be remembered, it is a tenure that left nothing behind.I leave nothing to Uruguayan football, because any contribution I might make to a country where I have worked for three years fails to take root if results arent achieved.A winless campaignThe South Americans had been expected to progress without much hassle from Group H, with only European champions Spain thought to present a significant challenge. However, the semi-finalists from 2010 got off to a shaky start, having to come from behind to rescue a point against Saudi Arabia in Miami. In their next game, Bielsas men were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Cape Verde, meaning defeat in their final match against Spain would result in a humiliating elimination. As it was, Alex Baenas first-half strike proved the difference, with Spain running out 1-0 winners to send Uruguay home. Bielsa and co.s misery was completed late on, when Augustin Canobbio launched into a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi and was immediately shown a straight red card. Cannobio then confronted referee Ismail Elfath, grabbing at the officials shirt in ugly scenes at the end of the contest. Topics Marcelo Bielsa Uruguay National Football Team World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Uruguay 0-1 Spain: Report, result and goals as La Celeste crash out of World Cup Mitch Fretton 27th June, 2026 WATCH: Uruguay gift Spain lead in must-win match Mitch Fretton 27th June, 2026 LIVE Uruguay v Spain: Commentary, updates, goals and stats with Bielsas men on the brink of World Cup elimination Jon Fisher 26th June, 2026 Uruguay v Spain: Confirmed line-ups as Bielsas men seek win to carry them through Jon Fisher 26th June, 2026 Jordan v Argentina: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 26th June, 2026 Panama v England: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 26th June, 2026
