Uruguay ensured top spot in Group A with 9 points after a relatively convincing 3-0 victory over World Cup hosts Russia.
Luis Suarez opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a low-driven free-kick to ensure a horrible start for the Russians, but Russian goalie Igor Akinfeev should have been better to thwart the free-kick.
Uruguay then doubled the lead after Denis Cheryshev deflected Diego Laxalt shot into his own net in the first half. Edinson Cavani added Uruguay’s third in the 90th minute by slotting home a parried save from Akinfeev.
Uruguay controlled the whole game and were extremely comfortable especially after Igor Smolnikov was sent off for Russia.
Russia were without playmaker Aleksandr Golovin and his absence was felt as the team did not pose any major attacking threat.
The defeat will no doubt deflate the morale that Russia had – notably because this was their first top quality test in the World Cup. Uruguay will face the runner-up in Group B, while Russia will face Group B winners.
Saudi Arabia’s last minute winner ensured a 2-1 victory over Egypt after Salem Al-Dawsari volleyed the ball from inside the area.
Mo Salah opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a beautifully lobbed ball over Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Yasser Al Mosailem.
Saudi Arabia levelled it on the brink of halftime with a Salman Al-Faraj penalty after Fahad Al-Muwallad had his penalty saved by Essam El Hadary four minutes earlier.
Uruguay have not conceded a goal in the year 2018 and will be potentially problematic for either Spain, Portugal or Iran in group B.
While Russia will look to bounce back from the crushing defeat in the round of 16 against Group B winners – Aleksandr Golovin will no doubt be in the starting lineup.
Read » #WorldCup Roundup: Uruguay show class in 3-0 win over Russia | Saudi Arabia break Egyptian hearts with last minute winner on YNaija
0 Comments:
Post a Comment