Nico Williams has condemned the tackle that left him injured after Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay, describing it as “completely unnecessary” and calling the day “one of the worst days of my life”. The Athletic Club winger, 23, sustained an adductor injury following a challenge by Uruguay’s Nicolás de la Cruz in added time, a tackle he believes was born of frustration. “Yesterday, I suffered a new injury following an incident where a fellow professional acted out of frustration, unhappiness, and sadness over the situation he was going through,” Williams wrote on social media. “In my opinion, it was a play that could have been avoided, as it was completely unnecessary. But this won’t stop me.”
De la Cruz was booked for the challenge, while team-mate Agustín Canobbio received a straight red card for a dangerous lunge on Pau Cubarsí. The match, a physical and at times violent affair in Guadalajara, secured top spot in Group H for Spain. But the victory came at a heavy cost: Williams and fellow winger Yéremy Pino both left the pitch with injuries. Pino, who came on as a second-half substitute, suffered a heavy fall and played on until the final whistle, but later departed the stadium with his arm in a sling. Spain initially feared a fractured collarbone, but X-rays revealed an acromioclavicular sprain. The Spanish Football Federation described both injuries as “moderate”, and said their availability for the rest of the tournament would be determined by the rate of recovery.
“Nico Williams calls Uruguay tackle 'completely unnecessary' after adductor injury; Pino avoids fracture but both are doubtful for last-32.”
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, had called Pino “heroic” and suggested he might miss the rest of the competition. Pino had been expected to be out for the remainder of the World Cup, and there were similar concerns over Williams. The 23-year-old has endured an injury-disrupted season with Athletic Club, suffering a sportsman’s hernia as well as groin and hamstring problems. He had targeted the Uruguay game as the moment he would be fully fit, and said he had no problem playing 90 minutes. Instead, he was introduced after 76 minutes, having played only six of the past 15 games and completed 90 minutes just three times. Williams left the stadium head down and limping, while Pino’s arm was in a sling. Spain now face a nervous wait to see if either can feature in the last-32 tie.