It’s a start of new week and some Monday madness as four matches will be kicked of on June 25. The first two matches will have Group A teams Russia vs Uruguay and Saudi Arabia vs Egypt. Both Russia and Uruguay have qualified for the Last 16 however in contrasting fashion.[spacer height=”30px”]
The host nation routed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening fixture of the World Cup, while Uruguay sneaked a victory through Gimenez against Turkey in their first game with scoreline reading 1-0. The second match proved that lowest ranked Russia’s victory in first match wasn’t a fluke as they thrashed Turkey 3-1 while Uruguay again won with identical margin of their last game, a goal by veteran Luis Suarez.[spacer height=”30px”]
The host nation has certainly raised eye brows with their performance as they scored 8 goals so far [most by any team]. What also stands out is the fact that the Russian team have covered more ground in the opening two rounds of the tournament than anyone else. Uruguay on other have though labored through victory have not allowed a goal to pass through their defence which has been proven defiant. Although they won’t have services of Jose Gimenez as he is ruled out for third game due to thigh injury.[spacer height=”30px”]
Key players for Russia vs Uruguay[spacer height=”30px”]
Denis Cheryshev[spacer height=”30px”]
Denis Cheryshev is one of the infrom players at the World Cup. He also happens to be Russia’s top scorer in the tournament with three goals – prior to their opener against Saudi Arabia, he had failed to find the net in 11 appearances for the national team. Although the team has already had four different scorers it is his presence that has led team in first two matches.[spacer height=”30px”]
Alexander Golovin[spacer height=”30px”]
This 22 year player was one of the exciting players before world Cup with his transfer links with top clubs of Europe. In last 2 games he proved why as he not only notched up a fantastic strike but also set up two goals for his team mates thus proving influential in both the departments.[spacer height=”30px”]
He plays centrally in midfield and it his passing accuracy and vision that has helped the hosts to score goals at will.[spacer height=”30px”]
Uruguay[spacer height=”30px”]
Luis Suarez[spacer height=”30px”]
Suarez made comeback with a goal against Saudi Arabia which helped them win crucial three points. However, like Uruguay itself, Suarez hasn’t actually arrived in World Cup as he has squandered some easy chances and one on one and lacks the touch of both setting up and scoring goals which he usually has with spanish champions Barcelona.[spacer height=”30px”]
It will be interesting to see which Suarez turns up for the match and if he and Cavani can finally form partnership which the South American nation fans are hoping for.[spacer height=”30px”]
Diego Godin[spacer height=”30px”]
Captain Godin had led from the front both in defence and when required in attack too. In defence he won’t be having his usual partner Gimenez but will back line with his sturdy defence and vision. The 1.87m tall frame also occasionally pops up during set piece routines for the team and has stepped in a defensive midfielder or even more advanced role when the Uruguayans team lacked creativity.[spacer height=”30px”]
Here are the Confirmed Line ups for the Uruguay vs Russia clash : [spacer height=”30px”]
Uruguay: Muslera; Coates, Godin, Caceres; Laxalt, Nandez, Torreira, Bentancur, Vecino; Suarez, Cavani.[spacer height=”30px”]
Russia: Akinfeev; Smolnikov, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Kurdjasov; Samedov, Gazinskiy, Miranchuk, Zobnin, Cheryshev; Dzyuba.[spacer height=”30px”]
Referee: Malang Diedhiou (Senegal).[spacer height=”30px”]
Uruguay and Russia face off with the top position in contention. This is how they will line up today! #FIFAWorldCup2018 #WorldCup #URURUS pic.twitter.com/hBRqQrdx7r
— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) June 25, 2018
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