Football Results

The second match of the third round in the Group A is definitely more interesting than the first one as both teams won first two matches and now Russia and Uruguay will decide in direct showdown which one wins the group. Thanks to better goal difference Russia needs just a draw in order to stay at the first place, while only victory can take Uruguay to the first place in the Group A, which faces two best teams from the Group B, most probably Spain and Portugal. Let’s add that four years ago Russia and Uruguay played a friendly in Moscow which ended as draw 1-1.

Uruguay

We have said that similar outcome would now suits the Russians far more as they would end up at the first place in the Group A, while the Uruguayans, being the second, would face the winner of the Group B, which is either Spain or Portugal, so in any case ahead of them is very difficult task. We believe that far more experienced Uruguay will give its maximum to defeat the host team, as victory will increase their self-confidence before the knockout phase, which they reached with decent amount of struggle since they won in first two round Egypt and Saudi Arabia by mere 1-0.

The first match with the Egyptians was especially difficult for Uruguay, which scored the winner no sooner but in 89 minute, when young stopper Gimenez scored header after a set piece, while the Saudis were defeated thanks to Suarez who scored in 23 minute of the match. Despite two wins, we have impression that Uruguay still plays nervously, especially in attack, where a lot more is expected from two world-class forwards Suarez and Cavani. Besides them, manager Tabarez is not pleased with two wingers as he rotated players at those positions in first two rounds. Now against Russia, we expect that Laxalt gets chance from the first minute.

Probable lineups Uruguay: Muslera – Varela, Godin, Gimenez, Caceres – Sanchez, Bentancur, Vecino, Laxalt – Cavani, Suarez

Russia

We have said in the introduction that the host team of the World Cup occupies the first place in the Group A after first two rounds, with maximal six points and fantastic goal difference 8-1. Team led by manager Cherchesov firstly surprised everyone in the opening match of the 2018 World Cup with great performance against Saudi Arabia, which they won by even 5-0. After that the Russians faced much better Egyptians against whom they had a lead of 3-0 after 62 minutes, although a bit later they conceded the first goal and for the time being the only one when Salah scored from penalty. In general, Russian football fans could be very pleased with what their team showed in first two rounds.

On top of it the Sbornaya reached the round of 16 after just two matches, and to stay on the first place in the Group A they need just a draw with Uruguay. We have said earlier that their opponent in the first match of the knockout phase will be either Spain or Portugal, so it is pretty much the same for the Russians since they will be anyway regarded as outsiders. On the other hand, it would be very important for their self-confidence to stay undefeated after match with Uruguay, so we expect from Cherchesov to send on the pitch the same team like he did against Egypt, especially as injured midfielder Dzagoev is still questionable for this match.

Probable lineups Russia: Akinfeev – Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov – Gazinskiy, Zobnin – Samedov, Golovin, Cheryshev – Dzyuba

Verdict:

Although the host team showed much more in first two rounds, we nevertheless believe the Uruguayans’ experience will be decisive in their showdown which decides the group winner, although the Russians need just a draw to stay at the leading position.

Pick: Asian handicap 0 Uruguay 1.82 - 82/100 @1XBet