Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa revealed that goalkeeper Fernando Muslera opted not to return for the second half of their 1-0 defeat against Spain on Friday. During the 42nd minute of his 19th international appearance, the 40-year-old failed to secure a shot from Alex Baena, resulting in the decisive goal.
Sergio Rochet replaced Muslera for the remainder of the match, making Muslera the first Uruguayan goalkeeper to be substituted in such a manner. Bielsa confirmed via social media that the change was initiated by the player himself. This incident marks a difficult tournament for Muslera, who committed a goal-leading error in every group-stage game. He is now the only goalkeeper since 1966 to register three or more errors leading to goals in a single World Cup. With no saves made against Spain and inconsistent distribution, it is unlikely he will represent Uruguay again.
