Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa defends unusual World Cup portrait pose

Uruguay's 70‑year‑old coach Marcelo Bielsa responded to criticism of his official World Cup portrait, in which he appears with his head bowed and eyes downcast. Bielsa said he "doesn't have to give any explanation" after Uruguay's 1‑1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami.

FIFA had commissioned photographs of all players and coaches for display on stadium screens and digital media, and Bielsa's pose quickly became a meme on social platforms. He added that his unconventional stance, including delivering instructions from a blue ice box rather than the dugout, is simply his personal style.

Uruguay will play its next group match against Cape Verde in Miami later this week.