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The enigmatic Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa, who is affectionately known as “El Loco”, has once again captured attention with his distinctive style, this time through an unconventional official World Cup portrait.
The former Leeds boss was pictured looking downwards, rather than into the lens, for the photograph displayed on television screens before matches at the tournament.
When pressed about the unusual image following his side’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday night, the bespectacled 70-year-old offered a characteristically direct explanation.
“I don’t have to give any explanation, the picture was taken the way it was taken,” Bielsa asserted.
Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo celebrates scoring his side’s equaliser against Saudi Arabia (AP)
“I’m not a model! There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I’m wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses?
“You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody’s eyes or looking down.”
Bielsa’s comments came after his side fought back to rescue a point in their opening World Cup match after a disappointing first half performance.
Saudi Arabia deservedly took the lead in the 41st minute through Abdulelah Al-Amri after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera spilt a header from a corner.
Uruguay needed to find a response after the break and they gradually ramped up the pressure before getting their reward 10 minutes from time.
Maximiliano Araujo followed in to fire home after an initial save from Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper, as Uruguay got back on level terms.
The South American side pushed for all three points but had to settle for one after wasting several late chances.
Uruguay will return to action on Sunday evening when they take on Cape Verde, who held European champions Spain to a goalless draw on Monday.
Uruguay’s final group match will then be against Spain, and is set to take place on Friday 26 June.
