Photo: FIFA.com
Uruguay 3- Russia 0
Uruguay took care of business as they finished their group stage action of the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Russia. Both team had already clinched their spot in the round of 16, but they were battling for the first place of the group to avoid facing a potential match up against Spain.
La Celeste started on the right foot as Luis Suarez opened the score via a free kick in the 10th minute. After that goal Los Charruas controlled the possession of the ball and showed good mobility at midfield and on the sides to pressure and attack a Russian side that looked confused. The second goal for the South American team came in at the 23rd minute when Denis Cheryshev deflected Diego Laxalt shot to score an own goal.
Even though Russia had a defensive game plan, they used the counter attack to create chances to get in the score board. However, at the 36th minute when Igor Smolnikov saw a red card, the priorities for Russia changed. They did not want to attack anymore. All the home team wanted was to be solid in their back line and do not conceived more goals.
Because the home team was not attacking, the second half was a boring one for the fans. There were not many goal chances from either team. They just wanted to finish the match and start thinking about their knockout matches.
However, the Uruguayan team knew it was important for one of his best forwards, Edison Cavani, to score in this tournament. He was very close to doing so after a Luis Suarez play inside the box was finished by him without much luck, going wide of the mark. Even though the match was almost over Cavani, who plays for PSG, finally got his goal in the 90th minute make it 3-0 in favor of Uruguay.
Now Uruguay will face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the round of 16 on Saturday, whereas Russia will play against Spain on Sunday.
Uruguay
Russia
