Russia and Uruguay will fight for the top of Group A 2018 World Cup in the second match preliminary round Monday (25/6). Russia need only a draw to keep top of the table while Uruguay have to win.
Although both pocketed six points from two previous wins, Russia is ahead of Uruguay in terms of goal difference. The previously unfavour home team had an impressive start with Saudi Arabia 5-0 and Egypt 3-1.
Russia has a better record of victory than Uruguay. Of the eight meetings of both teams – including when Russia was still as Soviet Union – Russia managed to win six matches while Uruguay won just one victory.
Coach Stanislav Chrechesov said that his team would keep playing offensive despite only needing a draw to keep top spot in the standings. According to him, the game against Uruguay is the real test for the Red Bear squad.
“This is the game we are looking forward to – we will not change our approach, we are preparing for this match just like any other game,” he said.
Duet strikers Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba will again be the motor of Russian attack. Both of them have scored three and two goals in the 2018 World Cup.
The usual Cheryshev speed from the left side needs to be a serious concern. Guillermo Varela’s defender should not let the former Real Madrid player slip away.
Moreover, the heart of Uruguay’s defense will lose Jose Gimenez. Atletico Madrid club defender was certainly absent until the round of 16 due to injury in the game against Saudi Arabia.
Gimenez’s position is likely to be occupied by Sebastian Coates. Although known as a formidable defender, Coates is not a typical center-back that has speed like Gimenez. Coates is also considered unified with Diego Godin who became a captain in the back line of Uruguay.
Not only in the back line, Uruguya coach Oscar Tabarez also had to rack brain to restore the sharpness of its front lines. In two previous matches, duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani just produced one goal. Another Uruguayan goal was created by Gimenez.
The lack of mature passes to the front line is considered a problem for Uruguay. Tabarez reportedly will make little changes in midfield.
The young midfielder Rodrigo Bentacur, who in two previous matches is a mainstay of Uruguay will likely be reserved to give an opportunity to Sampdoria midfielder, Lucas Torreira who is called being approached by Arsenal.
But some reports say that both teams seems to be playing safe and not too concerned about who the group winner and who became runner-up. Because the opponent who will wait for them from group B equally heavy, Spain and Portugal.
The third match of the 2018 World Cup Group A qualifier between Uruguay Vs Russia will take place on Monday (25/6).
