World Cup 2018: Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera lost both his uncle and grandmother just days before mistake against France
South American stopper apologised to the people of Uruguay after his howler in the 2-0 World Cup quarter-final loss
URUGUAY'S Fernando Muslera was hit with the news both his uncle and grandmother died just days before their clash with France.
The goalkeeper was at fault for Les Bleus' second goal when he failed to deal with Antoine Griezmann's straightforward effort.
But it has emerged he was dealing with a personal tragedy in the week leading up to the quarter-final.
Reports in El Pais confirmed that the No1's uncle was killed in a car crash.
Just two days later he was crushed with the news that his grandmother had passed away.
Muslera had been in sensational form heading into the clash with France, having kept three clean sheets in his last four matches.
He was forced to apologies to the press after his clanger but refused to mention the news of his relatives.
Muslera said: "I am grateful to all the Uruguayan people. I apologise, because obviously there was hope.
"In my position, mistakes are made that cost elimination. We moved on."
France stopper Hugo Lloris showed his sympathy for Muslera despite being unaware of his secret pain.
FROM RUSSIA WITH LIVE All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup
latest World Cup news
The Spurs man said: "He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he has done fantastically for Uruguay.
"The ball moved and that is part of the game, part of being a goalkeeper, there is nobody behind to save you.
"The ball they are using in the World Cup is very fast. You need to think quickly as a goalkeeper and with this ball you need to think very quickly — when to punch, when to catch."