Bielsa shrugs off viral World Cup photo after Uruguay rescue draw with Saudi Arabia

Marcelo Bielsa offered a typically unapologetic response to questions about his unconventional official World Cup portrait on Monday, after Uruguay fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia at their tournament opener in Miami.

The Uruguay head coach, widely known as “El Loco”, was pictured looking downwards rather than into the lens for the photograph displayed on television screens before matches at the tournament. When reporters pressed him on the image after the game, the 70-year-old was characteristically direct.

“I don’t have to give any explanation, the picture was taken the way it was taken,” Bielsa said. “I’m not a model! There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I’m wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses? You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody’s eyes or looking down.”

The comments came after a testing evening on the pitch. Saudi Arabia deservedly took the lead in the 41st minute through Abdulelah Al-Amri, who capitalised after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera spilled a header from a corner.

Uruguay struggled in the first half but gradually asserted themselves after the break, and their persistence paid off with ten minutes remaining. Maximiliano Araujo followed up to fire home after an initial save from the Saudi goalkeeper, levelling the match and securing a point.

The South American side pushed for a winner in the closing stages but wasted several late chances and had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Uruguay return to action on Sunday when they face Cape Verde, who held European champions Spain to a goalless draw earlier on Monday. Their final group match is against Spain on Friday 27 June.