Nico Williams blasts 'completely unnecessary' tackle that puts Spain's World Cup campaign at risk

Nico Williams has hit out at Uruguay midfielder Nicolas de la Cruz after a reckless tackle during Spain’s 1-0 World Cup group-stage victory threatened to end the winger’s tournament prematurely. The 23-year-old took to social media following the match to describe the challenge as “completely unnecessary” and called it one of the “worst days” of his life.

Spain sealed top spot in their group thanks to Alex Baena’s first-half goal, but the result was overshadowed by mounting Uruguayan frustration as the South Americans crashed out at the group stage. De la Cruz, who plays for Flamengo in Brazil, came on as a substitute after Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte was carried off on a stretcher with a suspected serious knee injury. Shortly after entering the pitch, De la Cruz hacked down Williams during a counter-attack in what appeared to be a deliberate foul.

In an emotional post accompanied by a black-and-white image of his reaction to the challenge, Williams opened up on the physical and mental toll of a gruelling 18 months dealing with pubalgia — a chronic groin condition — before a subsequent hamstring injury further disrupted his season. “It was a year and a half of suffering, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety,” he wrote. “I didn’t know when I would be able to play without pain again or when I would get back to a normal life.”

Despite the setback, Williams was defiant about his prospects of returning during the tournament. “This isn’t going to stop me,” he wrote. “I know God has a plan for me, and I will keep fighting until the very last moment to get back to doing what I love most: playing football, being happy, and bringing joy to others. The story isn’t over; I’ll see you as soon as possible at this World Cup.”

Spain’s squad rallied around Williams after the statement was published, with several international teammates publicly offering their support. The extent of the injury has not yet been formally confirmed by the Spanish Football Federation, leaving his availability for the knockout rounds uncertain.

For Spain, who enter the last 16 as one of the tournament favourites, the potential absence of Williams — one of Europe’s most dynamic wide forwards — would represent a significant blow to their chances of lifting the trophy.