Hosts Battle For Top Spot in Group A
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The final group games of the 2018 World Cup start on Monday 25th June and the top two teams meet in Group A to see who will progress as Group winners.
Both Uruguay and Russia have secured qualification to the Round of 16 but first place in the group is still up for grabs. The teams play each other at the Cosmos Arena in Samara and the winner of the match win finish in first place, with the loser being forced to settle for second place.
With Portugal being the most likely opponents for the group winners and Spain for the runners-up, there may not be a great deal to choose between the two but the confidence gained from a win could in invaluable.
Uruguay come into this match having won their second group match 1-0 against Saudi Arabia. It was not an inspiring performance from Uruguay, who appear to be happy to place the emphasis on defence, regardless of the opposition.
Having won their opening match 1-0 against Egypt, the Uruguayan team have clearly set their stall out to use their biggest strength, which is their central defence. They are yet to play any free flowing, attacking football but know they have the quality in attack to take any chances which come their way.
There were huge doubts over the quality of the Russia team heading into this tournament and there were fears they could be eliminated at the group stage. However, a commanding 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia settled any doubts and Russia are playing confident football.
Russia’s second match of the group was always going to be tougher against Egypt but the hosts were pushed on by the home crowd. Three goals in the second half blew Egypt away and Russia took control of the group thanks to their superior goal difference.
This match will be Russia’s biggest test to date at this World Cup and it will be interesting to see if they can continue their goal scoring form against a team with such a strong defence.
Looking ahead to the team news and Uruguay have every player available and the back four is sure to remain the same. Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez will start up-front so that leaves the midfield as the only position where we could see a change by Oscar Tabarez.
Alan Dzagoev is still suffering from the hamstring injury which he suffered in Russia’s opening match against Saudi Arabia. However, having won their opening two matches convincingly there is no need for any changes to the Russian team.
Russia have been the most attacking team of the two in the World Cup to date but Uruguay offer a very difficult challenge for the hosts. With two world class strikers and a solid defence, Uruguay could hand Russia their first defeat of the 2018 World Cup.
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