Cavani to come good for Charruas
The two remaining fixtures to play in Group A couldn’t be more contrasting. While Saudi Arabia and Egypt battle it out to avoid the wooden spoon, already qualified Uruguay and Russia will front it out for the right to top the group at the Samara Stadium.
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Slow and steady wins the race. Well, if this is the mantra Uruguay are following then they’re certainly on the right course. Narrow victories against Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been more workmanlike than impressive but the Charruas have done what is required so far to see them advance to the knockout stages.
While they’ll be keen to continue their winning run, it remains to be seen whether winning the group will carry the advantage it should considering both Spain and Portugal are currently locked together at the top of Group B with a round of games still to play.
What is clear however is the star quality throughout this team, in attack especially. Luis Suarez’s partner in-crime, Edinson Cavani has yet to make his mark on these finals but it’s only a matter of time before the Monaco man gets himself on the scoresheet for his country, to add to the impressive strike-rate he has already at this level – 42 goals/103 caps.
Aside from facing a half-fit Mo Salah, Russia have yet to face personnel of genuine quality in these finals and will notice the clear step-in in ability against a Uruguayan side littered with talent from back to front.
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Tipped to struggle considering their lack of competitive games and a host of injuries suffered in the build-up, the hosts have arguably been the surprise team of the tournament, demolishing Saudi Arabia and casting aside Egypt just as comfortably.
They won’t find it so easy this time round however and will perhaps be relieved to have already collected the points they need to progress given the know-how and experience of their final group opponents.
This said, the Russians are able total upon firepower of their own with a six foot four, physically imposing striker hellbent on making a name for himself.
Artem Dzyuba has scored two in as many games and has become the hosts’ unlikely hero so far. He’ll certainly meet his match when he goes head-to-head with stalwart Uruguyan defender Diego Godin, renowned for his no nonsense style in what promises to be an intriguing individual contest.
Cheryshev, Golovin and Semdov have all served as important support-acts in Russia collecting maximum points and will need to be on form once again for Sbornaya to claim anything from this encounter.
Match Tip
The first goal could be all-important here and I’m tipping a determined looking Edinson Cavani to register at his third successive finals to set Uruguay on their way to claiming top spot in Group A.
Post bet chat Nick's Tips:
Cavani had the final word but it was that man Suarez who opened the scoring with a clever, low free kick. From here, Uruguay never looked back and eased to top spot in Group A at the expense of the hosts.