Heavily criticised by fans and the press for the crucial mistake that led to the defeat against Spain, the experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera took the field while ill and did not inform coach Marcelo Bielsa.
"Nando had a 40-degree fever the night before," revealed former Uruguay striker Diego Forlan.
According to information published by Uruguayan radio Carve Deportiva, the national team's medical department was fully aware of the goalkeeper's weakened condition, but the information was kept under wraps.
The coach Marcelo Bielsa was not informed about Muslera's high fever before deciding on the starting lineup for the match against the Spanish.
Muslera ended up becoming the main villain in Uruguay's exit after failing to stop a shot from Alex Baena, a play that sealed the score in Spain's favour and marked La Celeste's farewell in the first round of the World Cup, a second Group Stage exit in as many tournaments for the two-time champions.
Right after the final whistle, before the public knew about his physical condition, the goalkeeper came forward to apologise to the fans and opened up, admitting it was one of the hardest and most painful moments of his long football career.
