What is the story about?
One
of the most anticipated matches in the World Cup 2026 group stage turned out to be one of the worst as Spain and Uruguay played over 90 minutes of horrendous football that ended with a 1-0 win for La Roja after a horrific goalkeeping error. The game had zero quality and way too much physicality, and a Spain team that had its best players on the pitch put on a very concerning performance ahead of the knockout rounds.
Reactions & Observations
- There are no words to describe just how bad this game was. Both teams looked wildly disorganized, offered no quality in midfield and forward areas and were more interested in kicking each other than playing football. Álex Baena’s goal with one of the worst howlers in recent history from Fernando Muslera was fitting for what we saw for the rest of the game.
- Uruguay were especially awful, and they deservedly exit the tournament after playing perhaps the worst game out of any of the 48 teams in this World Cup. It was sad to see a Marcelo Bielsa team look this bad and completely lose their heads, and the late red card for Agustín Canobbio was a symbol of a team that played dirty and not like a team that wanted to win.
- As for Spain, this was an extremely concerning performance. Luis de la Fuente’s lineup choices and substitutions were all wrong, and the coach looks extremely confused at the biggest stage in the game. Austria will likely be their next opponent and have a great coach in Ralf Rangnick that will ask a lot more out of La Roja than Uruguay did, and Spain simply don’t look ready for World Cup knockout football.
- I am a Barcelona fan and love him to death, but Pedri’s World Cup so far has simply not been good. He looks slow and way too safe with his passing, and hasn’t been up for the physical battle either. Maybe he’s saving his best for the biggest games, but this is not the Pedri we’ve seen for the last two years.
- Lamine Yamal will get a lot of stick for what was admittedly a bad night, but he is clearly nowhere near 100% and it was wild to see him play 75 minutes when he already looked exhausted by halftime. Maybe he has to play the extra minutes to be ready for the knockouts, but Yamal is out of rhythm and tired. Not very encouraging.
- We also had the customary big miss by Ferran Torres in the second half, who somehow hit the bar with the entire goal wide open in front of him. His World Cup is definitely not helping his case with Barça fans who are skeptical of his abilities to be the main striker next season.
- If there is one positive from this game, though, it’s Pau Cubarsí. His entire group stage has been excellent, but he looked more than ready for Uruguay’s physicality and gave his all in the battle. Well done, young man.
