"This was our decision. Mario [Fernandes] was tired in the previous game with [Egypt] and gave a lot. Our full backs are very active. Just as Yuri Zhirkov got a rest due to his ankle problems, Smolnikov was given a runout on the pitch because Mario had given a lot," Cherchesov said.

He added that he also did not want to risk with Alexandr Golovin, who was on yellow card, and this gave Aleksei Miranchuk an opportunity to play.

Smolnikov, who played his first match at the tournament in Russia, was sent off for a second bookable offense in the 36th minute.

Russia lost 3-0 to Uruguay in their final group stage game qualifying to the knockout stage from the second place.