MANUEL UGARTE fought back tears as he was stretchered off after a freak injury.
The Manchester United man started for Uruguay in their must-win clash against Spain in Group H.
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Manuel Ugarte covered his face as he went down the tunnel on a stretcher Credit: Getty
Unai Simon checked on the stricken opponent Credit: AP
However, he collided into his team-mate as they both went to make a challenge just before half-time and stayed down.
Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mathias Olivera all tried to tackle Spain star Pedri.
But as Pedri got the pass away, Ugarte accidentally clattered into Olivera and his studs seemed to get stuck in the turf.
The midfielder seemed to be struggling with a knee injury after the unfortunate clash.
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He needed treatment on the field and he could not get himself up to walk off – let alone continue.
Ugarte even appeared to wipe away tears as he was carried down the tunnel with his face buried under his shirt.
To make matters worse, Uruguay wanted the ball to be put out of play when Ugarte was down.
Instead, Spain played on and took the lead through Alex Baena after a calamitous mistake from Fernando Muslera.
Marcos Llorente’s low cross found Baena.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder controlled and got his shot away.
It was a tame effort and well within Muslera’s range.
The veteran 40-year-old got two hands to the ball but somehow let it bounce in to gift Spain the lead.
Muslera was sensationally dropped at half-time in a brutal response to his nightmare blunder.
More to follow…
Manuel Ugarte was taken off on a stretcher against Spain Credit: Getty
