Uruguay down 10-man Russia in Group A decider
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Updated 25/06/2018 at 16:40 GMT
World Cup, Group A - Uruguay 3 (Suarez, 10, Cheryshev, 23 [OG], Cavani, 90) Russia 0
Uruguay's defender Diego Laxalt (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Russia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 25, 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
Uruguay beat 10-man Russia 3-0 to top Group A, courtesy of a Luis Suarez strike, a Denis Cheryshev own goal and a late effort from Edinson Cavani.
Oscar Tabarez’s men raced into a two-goal lead with just 23 minutes gone, thanks to a smart Luis Suarez free-kick and a deflected Diego Laxalt effort that came off Cheryshev.
The host nation’s hopes of staging a memorable comeback were dealt a near-fatal blow when Igor Smolnikov saw red after picking up a second yellow card in the 36th minute.
And while La Celeste dominated for large swathes in the second half, it took until the final minute to add to their lead, when Cavani slotted home from close range to put added gloss on an already polished performance.
The result sees Uruguay top the group with three wins from three, five goals scored and none conceded, and they will now face one of Spain, Portugal or Iran from Group B in the last 16.
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Uruguay's forward Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Russia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 25, 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
TALKING POINT - Might Oscar Tabarez stick with this more expansive shape for the last 16?
Uruguay came into this game on the back of two 1-0 wins, but an injury to Jose Gimenez forced Tabarez into shifting to a back three. This gave the South Americans more numbers in the centre of the pitch, which in turn allowed them to be more expansive. It worked. So will Tabarez stick with his shape for their last 16 clash, most likely against Portugal? This might have been a sign of things to come.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Lucas Torreira (Uruguay)
The Sampdoria midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks and on this basis it’s easy to see why there has been such interest in Lucas Torreira. He made quite the impression coming off the bench in the last match against Saudi Arabia and in keeping his place for this game Torreira backed up that performance with another impressive display. He has become a key figure for Uruguay at this World Cup.
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Uruguay's midfielder Lucas Torreira (back L) challenges Russia's midfielder Daler Kuzyaev during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Russia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 25, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
PLAYER RATINGS
Uruguay - Muslera 6, Coates 6, Godin 7, Caceres 6, Torreira 8, Nandez 6, Vecino 7, Bentancur 7, Laxalt 7, Suarez 7, Cavani 7. Subs - Rodriguez 6, De Arrascaeta 5, Gomez.
Russia - Akinfeev 5, Smolnikov 4, Kutepov 5, Ignashevich 7, Kudryashov 5, Zobnin 6, Gazinskiy 5, Samedov 5, Miranchuk 5, Cheryshev 5, Dzyaba 6. Subs - Smolov 6, Fernandes 5, Kuzyaev 4.
KEY MOMENTS
10’ GOAL! Uruguay 1-0 Russia: Uruguay have taken an early lead and it's Suarez! The Barcelona striker sends a low free-kick around the Russian wall and finds the far corner of the net. Akinfeev couldn't get a hand to it and Suarez has his second goal of the World Cup.
13’ BIG CHANCE! That might have been a Russian equaliser. Cheryshev sends a half-volley towards goal from the edge of the box, but it's straight at Muslera, who makes the save.
23’ GOAL! Uruguay 2-0 Russia: Uruguay have scored a second! A corner kick was half-cleared to the edge of the box, but Laxalt was on hand to send a shot towards the goal. His strike picked up a huge deflection, completely wrong-footing Akinfeev. Russia have it all to do.
29’ GREAT CHANCE FOR URUGUAY! That probably should have been a third goal for the South Americans. Akinfeev makes the save from Bentacur and Cavani was robbed of the rebound.
36’ SENT OFF! It goes from bad to worse for Russia. Smolnikov is shown a second yellow card for a very late tackle on Laxalt.
90’ GOAL! Uruguay 3-0 Russia: There's the goal Cavani has been desperate for all afternoon! Akinfeev makes the save to prevent a header Godin finding the net, but Cavani was on hand to bundle home the rebound. Three goals to the good.
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Russia's midfielder Denis Cheryshev (R) challenges Uruguay's midfielder Lucas Torreira during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Russia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 25, 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY STATS
- Edinson Cavani became the second player to score in three separate World Cups for Uruguay (2010, 2014 and 2018) alongside Luis Suarez.
- Igor Smolnikov became the first outfield player to be sent off for the host nation of a World Cup since Marcel Desailly for France in 1998.
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