Uruguay made a decisive switch between the sticks at half-time of their FIFA World Cup group-stage encounter against Spain on Friday, withdrawing veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera from the fray after a first-half error handed Spain a crucial lead at Estadio Akron.

Muslera's blunder proved costly for Uruguay, gifting their opponents an advantage they did not have to work hard for. The decision to hook the experienced keeper at the interval reflected the severity of the mistake and the urgency of Uruguay's situation heading into the second half.

The match, played at Estadio Akron, carried enormous weight for both sides in the group stage, with Uruguay needing a result to stay on course in the competition.