FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Group A Recap, Uruguay And Russia Advance
With a third straight shutout, Uruguay clinches Group A by beating Russia 3-0 in Samara. Both teams had secured spots in the Round of 16. However, they were looking to set themselves in best possible position to surpassed the fourth game. By doing so, they would either avoid playing Portugal or Spain.
In any case, Russia was rated the weakest hosts ever. At least, everything pointed to that. Egypt seem to be stronger in paper in Group A. With two wins, against Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Russia discouraged those who had billed them the worst.
However, Uruguay was way superior than Russia in their match. Luis Suarez led the way after sending a free kick into the corner of the net in the 10th minute. Soon after, Diego Laxalt took a long-distance shot that glanced off Russia’s top scorer Denis Cheryshev and hit the net. Near the 90th minute, Edinson Cavani broke the net once again with his first goal of this World Cup.
Team Profiles:
Uruguay (3-0-0, 9 points)
- Results: Uruguay beat all opponents in Group A, Egypt and Saudi Arabia 1-0 and Russia 3-0.
- Notable: Uruguay finished in fourth place eight years ago in South Africa.
- Player to watch: Luis Suarez, controversial and can be an easy target for suspension in next round when they face Portugal.
Russia (2-1-0, 6 points)
- Results: Russia beat Saudi Arabia, 5-0 and Egypt, 3-1 but stumbled against Uruguay, losing 3-0.
- Notable: Russia was a surprise after defeating the Saudis 5-0 and then topping Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.
- Player to watch: Denis Cheryshev, despite being the coach’s son, the former Real Madrid player may be the key to its success against Spain and gang.
