Uruguay v Russia player ratings

Uruguay’s 3-0 win over Russia did little to change the standings of Group A, but it has set up some tantalizing affairs in the round of 16

Uruguay dominated proceedings in both halves to run out comfortable winners in Samara.

Despite Uruguay going ahead thanks to the work Luis Suarez, this game had the makings of a lively affair, which it lived up to at times.

The adaptability of the Uruguayan defence was put on display by managed Oscar Tabarez, as he opted for a 3-5-2 formation against Russia.

A physical battle ensued, ultimately favouring Uruguay, whom matched Russia’s early high pressure with their own dominance on the pitch.

Uruguay

Fernando Muslera 6 —

Brilliantly saved an early volley from Russia’s inform man Denis Cheryshev and was subsequently unflappable, as he has been all tournament and throughout 2018.

Sebastian Coates 7 —

Calm Coates indeed. The Sporting CP man fantastically distributed the ball throughout the match and was on hand to clean up with style when he was needed.

Diego Godin 7 —

Masterful in solidity, a genuinely apt statement in describing Godin whom excels in doing his job so efficiently.

Martin Caceras 8 —

Energetic and unrelenting, Caceras displayed an effective balance in his defensive and attacking work. Marauding in his movement forward and a constant threat going forward.

Lucas Torreira 7 —

Gave as well as he received, tenaciously imposing himself on the Russian midfielders and recovering possession for his side.

Nahitan Nandez 5 —

Drove forward positively at times but was largely anonymous overall.

Diego Laxalt 7 —

The Genoa man took up the role of Uruguay’s creative force in midfield and was well placed outside of the box to force Uruguay's second goal. Some excellent passes caused errors in the Russian defence.

Matias Vecino 6,5 —

Looked to threaten Akinfeev early with a low drive, setting the pace for the fixture. A keen contributor to the early competitiveness of the match. Improved as the match went on as his side began to dominate.

Rodrigo Bentancur 6 —

Ever-present in his side’s brighter moments on the field, adjusting to the tougher moments on the pitch with diligence.

Edinson Cavani 6 —

Had to incur the tough tackling of the Russian defenders. Finally opened his goal tally for the tournament late on following an Akinfeev save.

Luis Suarez 7 —

Chased hungrily and urgently to attain the ball from a poor Russian back pass in the build up to his free kick, a goal of sheer class

Subs

Giorgian De Arrascaeta 6 –

An important substitution, allowing Uruguay to maintain their dominant edge over their opponents as the Cruzeiro man offered direct running and desire off the bench.

Cristian Rodriguez 6 –

Provided important work rate in midfield to sustain the tempo set by Uruguay.

Maximiliano Gomez N/A –

Brought on very late with little chance to add to the game.

Russia

Igor Akinfeev 4 —

Arguably should have been better placed to handle Suarez’s free kick but seemed completely perplexed as to the direction of Laxalt’s deflected drive. Saved Russia from further ailments by preventing Bentancur’s low finish.

Igor Smolnikov 4 —

Offensively, Smolnikov was important in pushing his side up the pitch, but his ill-decision making lead him to earning two yellows and being sent off before the first half was over.

Ilya Kutepov 5 —

Competitive and aggressive with the two star Uruguayan forwards, never opting to pull out from a challenge, which was a petulant attitude at times.

Sergei Ignashevich 5.5 —

Displayed his experience and intelligent play at times that had him recalled in to the Russian squad despite his retirement from international duty.

Fyodor Kudryashov 5 —

Deputised well enough for Zhirkov, making several interceptions and competing for the ball. Sometimes put his team on the back foot due to some of his passing.

Roman Zobnin 4 —

One of the bright young stars of this Russian side but was largely anonymous, being consigned to defensive work and ball chasing.

Yury Gazinsky 3 —

Poorly gave away the free kick that resulted in Uruguay’s opener and never really recovered overall.

Aleksandr Samedov 5 —

Effective in his off the ball movement to pressurize Uruguay, but some poor crosses and passing hindered his side.

Aleksei Miranchuk 3 —

Marked out of the game for most of the first half. Failed to provide the spark of Aleksandr Golovin.

Denis Cheryshev 5 —

Despite being wily at times in the first half (including having a volley saved), Cheryshev struggled against Caceras and Coates. Unluckily, Uruguay’s second was deflected off of Cheryshev, somehow manoeuvring its way through in to the goal. Sacrificed for defensive stability following Smolnikov’s red card.