Uruguay vs Russia live: World Cup 2018 Group A
Russia suffered their first defeat at the World Cup as they finish second in Group A thanks to a three-goal beating from Uruguay not helped by an early red card.
Uruguay 3-0 Russia: match report
Uruguay finished their sojourn in the World Cup group stages with a good win over hosts, Russia on Monday afternoon. They were helped in their attempts to win top spot with an early red card but Russia were so poor in the opening exchanges that you feel they would have struggled regardless.
Luis Suarez gave Uruguay the lead from a free-kick when he sent a lot shot to Igor Akinfeev's left, surprising the keeper in the process. It was about to get worse for Uruguay after 23 minutes when a Diego Laxalt shot from outside the box was deflected into the net by Denis Cheryshev to make it two before a half an hour expired.
Igor Smolnikov had a helping hand in Russia's demise when he was booked after 26 minutes and got his second and subsequent marching orders on 36. It was a nightmare first half for the hosts, who were delighted to hear the half-time whistle.
They had consigned themselves to defeat in the second half, it seemed, and rarely threatened Uruguay's rear-gaurd. Edinson Cavani put the finishing touches on a good display from Oscar Tabarez' side when he knocked home a saved Diego Godin header.
Uruguay finish the group stages without conceding a goal and on top of Group A with Russia trailing in second. They will await the result of Group B's final game on Monday night as Spain and Portufal play Morocco and Iran to see who will finished first and second in their category.
Uruguay vs Russia live online: as it happened
Uruguay vs Russia live online: match preview
Russia and Uruguay meet today in the final round of games in Group A, with both teams bidding for a top spot finish.
Hosts Russia will be hoping to make it three wins from three, after having already beaten Saudi Arabia, 5-0, and Egypt, 3-1. It has been an impressive start for the hosts, but Uruguay will prove to be their sternest test yet, particularly now that they will be missing their creative midfielder Alan Dzagoev through injury. Nevertheless, Russia have proved they can score goals, and striker Denis Cheryshev will be looking to net his fourth in the competition to keep himself in the running for the golden boot.
Uruguay are also not without their injury woes: Atlético Madrid defender José María Giménez is ruled out due to an injury he picked up in training. But with the likes of Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godín at the disposal of coach Óscar Tabárez, Uruguay will be tipped to win this one, setting themselves up for a likely meeting with either Spain or Portugal.