Uruguay beat 10-man Russia 3-0 to top Group A

Uruguay comfortably beat World Cup hosts Russia 3-0 on Monday to seal top spot in Group A courtesy of a Luis Suarez free kick, a Denis Cheryshev own goal and a late Edinson Cavani strike.

Russia, who had already qualified along with Uruguay for the last 16 after winning their first two games, played much of the match with 10 men after Igor Smolnikov was sent off for two yellow cards after 36 minutes.

Suarez opened the scoring in the 10th minute with his seventh World Cup goal and Uruguay's lead was doubled in the 23rd minute when Diego Laxalt's shot took a wicked deflection off Cheryshev.


Cavani, Suarez's strike partner, sealed the victory to open his World Cup account with a goal from close range after a corner in the 90th minute.

Earlier, Uruguay held a commanding 2-0 halftime lead over World Cup hosts Russia in the battle to top Group A on Monday courtesy of a Luis Suarez free kick and a Denis Cheryshev own goal.

Diego Laxalt's shot came off Russian winger Cheryshev for the own goal and Russia's job got all the harder when Igor Smolnikov was sent off for two yellow cards after 36 minutes.

Both sides have already qualified for the last 16 with two wins.

Luis Suarez had given Uruguay the early lead in its match against Russia with a blistering free kick in the 10th minute.

The Barcelona striker ripped a low shot past a wall of Russian players and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev from just outside the top of the box. Suarez pumped his fist afterward and blew a kiss to the corner of Samara Stadium where most of La Celeste's supporters are seated.

Artem Dzyuba nearly tied it minutes later off a corner kick, but his header bounced off the turf and over the crossbar.

Russia and Uruguay have already gone through to the round of 16 with two wins apiece, so they're playing for the top spot in Group A.

Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera won his 100th cap for Uruguay after being selected to face Russia in Group A on Monday.

He will also break his nation's record for World Cup appearances, with 14.

Sebastian Coates comes in for the injured Jose Gimenez in defence as Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez makes four changes for the clash.

With both teams already qualified for the last 16, Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov also chose to make three changes to the side that beat Egypt 3-1.

Aleksei Miranchuk replaces Aleksandr Golovin whilst Igor Smolnikov and Fyodor Kudryashov come in as full backs.

The match will decide who finishes top of the group as both teams are on six points.