Uruguay face a must-win World Cup group stage match against Spain on Friday, with Marcelo Bielsa admitting that many people have 'no positive expectations at all' about their chances. The European champions, unbeaten in 33 games, have already qualified, while Uruguay are on the brink of elimination after drawing with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
Bielsa and De la Fuente Reunite
The match also marks a reunion between Bielsa and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who spent months observing Bielsa's training sessions at Athletic Bilbao while unemployed. 'I'm a big admirer of Marcelo Bielsa,' De la Fuente said. 'He made Athletic play wonderfully. When I was on the dole for 18 months, I spent five, six months watching all his training sessions. I learned so much from him.' Bielsa returned the compliment, saying: 'The football he's achieved with Spain is exquisite. Of course they don't represent my style: the reality is that his football is much more beautiful than what I've managed with my team.'
Uruguay's Internal Crisis
Uruguay's struggles go beyond results. After the 2024 Copa América, Luis Suárez left the national team and revealed a dysfunctional atmosphere, claiming players asked for a meeting to request that Bielsa at least say 'buen dia'. Suárez described a cold environment where the manager barely spoke to his players. Bielsa himself admitted being 'toxic' after a 5-1 defeat to the USA in November, saying: 'Those who have a relationship with me come out of it worse. There are toxic people who only see errors, who demand, who correct, who are never satisfied with anything.'
Canobbio Calls for Belief
Midfielder Agustín Canobbio insisted the team can compete. 'We don't feel inferior to anyone,' he said. 'Uruguay has always been strong when it believes in itself and that has to be our starting point.' He added: 'Playing well against Spain is not enough; you have to compete for every ball with Uruguay's mentality. This group has pride, hunger and belief. When you wear the Uruguay shirt, there are no excuses. The most important thing is for Uruguay to be Uruguay again.'
Historical Context
Uruguay have not won a World Cup game without Suárez since 1990, and their last six matches have been winless. Despite a squad that federation president Ignacio Alonso believes should reach the quarter-finals, they now need to beat a formidable Spain side led by De la Fuente, who could end Bielsa's international tenure.
