Bielsa screams at journalist after Uruguay's World Cup exit as Ugarte suffers knee injury

Marcelo Bielsa launched a furious tirade at a journalist in the immediate aftermath of Uruguay’s World Cup group-stage exit, screaming at the reporter before ultimately accepting blame for the team’s poor tournament showing. Uruguay were eliminated following a 1-0 defeat to Spain, with Bielsa stating 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.”

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was forced off during that defeat with a knee injury. United had been expected to sell the 23-year-old this summer, but those plans may now be reconsidered if he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was also substituted during the match after making a mistake, with Bielsa revealing Muslera himself asked to be taken off.

On the pitch, Spain topped Group H thanks to Alex Baena’s goal, with Cape Verde finishing second to make history by advancing from the group stage. Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top their group, with Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard scoring twice. Egypt progressed as group runners-up after drawing with Iran, who finished third and had a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside — leaving them in a tense wait to discover whether they rank among the eight best third-placed teams.

Spain, Cape Verde, Belgium and Egypt have now joined the previously confirmed round-of-32 qualifiers. England, Portugal, Paraguay and Ghana have also secured their places without even playing their final group games, as it is mathematically impossible for any of them to finish among the four worst third-placed sides.

Two round-of-32 fixtures have been confirmed: Paraguay will face Germany, and Cape Verde will take on Argentina.

Scotland remain alive but in a precarious position. Steve Clarke’s side require a very specific set of results — DR Congo must fail to beat Uzbekistan, and Ghana must beat Croatia by three or more goals — to advance.