The sturdy and compact Uruguayans side has come out mercilessly against to world cup host Russia in 3-0 defeat at Samara to secure top spot in Group A and end the hosts’ perfect start to their home World Cup.
Luis Suarez caught the Russian defence off guard as he curled in a lowly driven free-kick into the corner of Akinfeev’s goal.
Cheryshev who is Russia’s top score at this World Cup conceded an own goal, as Laxalt’s shot deflected off of him for Uruguay’s second. Igor Smolnikov was shown a second yellow card to add to Russia’s misery.
Dzyuba had the chance to score a consolation goal for Russia in the second half but completely fluffed his lines. It was three as Diego Godin saw his header saved by Akinfee from a corner but Edison Cavani was there on the rebound, to inflict more damage onto the fatigued ten men. Despite the defeat, the atmosphere created by both the Uruguayan and Russian supporters was great. The Russians really backed their team until conceding the second goal.
This was the first real test for either side and the South Americans came out on top in this one. Suarez’s goal was smart thinking, along with Laxalt and Cavani’s efforts and they could have had a few more.
It’s a third consecutive clean sheet for Óscar Tabárez’s men. This is good reading going into the knockouts and will give them confidence against stronger opposition attacks which is either to be Iran, Spain or Portugal.
Those two yellow cards really cost Russia. A number of yellow cards already handed to the players had some walking on eggshells.