Marcelo Bielsa’s incredible work as Uruguay manager saw the Leeds United legend’s side go up against one of the favourites in Brazil during the early hours of Sunday morning, at Copa America.
Bielsa’s impressive start to life as Uruguay manager has included wins over Brazil and Argentina ahead of this summer’s tournament. It continued in the group stage in America, three wins from three matches.
A 3-1 cruise past Thomas Christiansen’s Panama, a massive 5-0 win over Bolivia before beating Brenden Aaronson’s USA thanks to a controversial goal, winning 1-0. It saw Uruguay reach the quarter-finals.
They faced a Brazil side that had not played to their best at Copa America but still boast players such as Rodrygo, Marquinihos, Endrick and of course, Raphinha. Vinicius Jr was missing due to suspension.
Bielsa’s Uruguay win on penalties against Raphinha’s Brazil
Raphinha had endured a difficult start to the competition, failing to help Brazil break the deadlock against Costa Rica in their opening game, a 0-0 draw. He was benched for the second, a 4-1 win over Paraguay.
But he returned to the side against Colombia and scored a crucial goal as Brazil drew 1-1. A result that saw them finish second instead of first in Group D, and forced to take on Bielsa’s Uruguay in Nevada.
Uruguay were the better side, and Darwin Nunez should have opened the scoring with a header. But winger Raphinha should have then scored, played through on goal but his shot saved by Sergio Rochet.
Nahitan Nandez was a long-term Leeds target under Bielsa
For much of the Argentine’s reign at Elland Road, Bielsa was linked with signing Nahitan Nandez and now Uruguay manager, he gets to work with Joel Robles’ Al-Qadsiah teammate. But he was shown a red card.
On 74 minutes, in a game that included 41 fouls – 26 of which were from Bielsa’s men – Nandez scraped his studs down Rodrygo’s calf. VAR ruled a straight red after he was initially shown a yellow card.
It saw Uruguay hang on until penalties, but Eder Militao saw his penalty saved before Douglas Luiz hit the post. Uruguay secured a surprise win as PSG’s Manuel Ugarte scored the winner with Bielsa victorious.
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