FIFA World Cup 2018, Uruguay 3 Russia 0: Suarez & Cavani strike as hosts miss out on top spot

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Samara, June 25: Luis Suarez netted his second goal in as many World Cup games as Uruguay secured top spot in Group A with a comfortable 3-0 victory over World Cup hosts Russia, who had Igor Smolnikov sent off.

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Russia's impressive progression to the last 16 has provided one of the tournament's major surprises so far, but Stanislav Cherchesov's side were brought back down to earth in a sweltering Samara.

In a fast start, Uruguay were ahead inside 10 minutes as Suarez, who scored the winner against Saudi Arabia on matchday two, found the net with a pinpoint free-kick.

Denis Cheryshev's own goal compounded Russia's misery 13 minutes later, with Smolnikov's dismissal - a second yellow card issued for a foul on Edinson Cavani prior to half time - all but ending hopes of a comeback.

Russia showed greater solidity after the interval, with Artem Dzyuba wasting a chance for a consolation, but the damage was already done by the time Cavani got his first goal of the tournament in the 90th minute.

Portugal and Spain - who face Iran and already eliminated Morocco respectively later on Monday - are likely to await these sides in the knockout stages, with Uruguay's victory meaning they will face the side who finish second in Group B.

Source: OPTA