Manuel Ugarte started again in defensive midfield and lasted 70 minutes, by which point all the scoring had ended. Despite the late goals, the performance drew a sharp reaction from the Uruguayan press with a concise verdict.
How Manuel Ugarte fared for Uruguay vs Cape Verde
Ugarte, despite his limitations, remains a key figure for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, so it was unsurprising that he was selected again. What stood out was his added attacking brief against a Cape Verde side that had shown resilience at the back in prior matches.
Pressure from supporters suggested a familiar struggle when Ugarte was forced to advance on the break, and some observers noted discomfort with the ball in transition. He did manage to create one scoring chance and delivered nine passes into the final third, but he lacked the sharpness and pace to influence the game more consistently, contributing to a degree of defensive vulnerability.
Bielsa will be concerned about Uruguay conceding twice to Cape Verde, and Ugarte’s transitions will attract scrutiny as the team seeks stability in midfield.
Uruguayan press on Ugarte
There is rising frustration in Uruguay as the team’s results have been inconsistent, and Ugarte has drawn criticism as part of that narrative. A number of outlets described his performance as not matching the level required, particularly when defending and during transitions. Some reviews highlighted that his cross leading to the second goal showed quality, but it was overshadowed by a broader display that lacked cohesion.
Other assessments cautioned that his overall impact was insufficient, noting sluggish moments with the ball and imprecise passes. The general consensus suggested that, while he should be a key contributor, the balance of the team needs to tighten to avoid similar defensive lapses and to maximize attacking opportunities.
What’s next
Uruguay now faces a pivotal test against Spain. The fixture is scheduled for late June, with both teams eyeing qualification advances. Uruguay will also be keeping an eye on Cape Verde’s results, particularly against Saudi Arabia, as they attempt to secure the points needed to move forward in the tournament.
