SOCCER: Bielsa takes the blame as Uruguay exit World Cup after 1-0 loss to Spain

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa accepted responsibility for their World Cup exit after a 1-0 defeat by Spain in Group H, saying he had failed to turn a talented squad into a team capable of avoiding disappointment.

• Bielsa said Uruguay's campaign was undermined by avoidable defensive errors and poor attacking efficiency, with the team failing to convert enough chances.

• Asked what he had left Uruguayan football after 39 months in charge, Argentine Bielsa said, "nothing", adding that a coach's contribution does not take root without results.

• Bielsa said goalkeeper Fernando Muslera decided to come off at halftime and that he replaced Federico Valverde to add power in attack, while all his substitutions were aimed at improving Uruguay's creativity.

• However he defended his decision not to make further changes late on, saying the lack of substitutions did not affect Uruguay's physical performance.

• The coach said Spain imposed their style more naturally, while Uruguay had to make enormous efforts to keep the match even, but rejected suggestions attitude or fitness was an issue.

-Reporting by Angelica Medina in Guadalajara, Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters