Uruguay vs Russia, Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2018: Uruguay Take 2-0 Lead in First Half

Meanwhile in Samara... #URU have doubled their lead!

A shot from Laxalt is deflected by @Cheryshev to go past Akinfeev - 2-0 to @Uruguay!#URURUS pic.twitter.com/bW0keuawXV

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

CORNER: Uruguay have taken a 2-0 lead here. They have stunned the hosts by scoring in the 23rd minute. Uruguay take a corner and the ball is pushed down to Laxalt. Then he takes a wild kick, that hits Cheryshev and goes past the keeper. This is great stuff by Uruguay.

Although Russia have conceded an early goal, they are leaving no stone unturned to attack. They are riding high on confidence at the moment despite the goal. 

In the other match between Egypt and Saudi Arabia the score stands at 0-0. The result of the match is inconsequential as none of these teams have a chance to qualify for the next stage. 

⚽️🥅🇺🇾#URURUS pic.twitter.com/tcmx4MAZts

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

Right after that Russia gets a free kick in attacking position. Cherysehv takes a good kick, but Torreira wards off the danger well. Russia is not succumbing to pressure here and are still looking to attack. The ball comes back to Cheryshev and he takes a shot at the goal. But Muslera collects the ball. 

GOAL: A free kick for Uruguay after Bentancur was sent down with a challenge just outside the box. Suarez takes a wonderful free kick and nets the goal. He aims for the left corner and Russian keeper misses it completely. It's 1-0 for Uruguay.

Russia have been on the attack too. They have penetrated the Uruguyan half quite a few times now. What the Russian team has ensured is that Uruguay doesn't get much time on the ball, in their half.

Cavani has a heated argument with the referee for a challenge. He has been issued a warning. But a correct decision in the end as the match moves into the fifth minute. Till now Uruguay has maintained a 64 per cent possession, but no real chances for the South American giants.

The Group A match gets underway. Uruguay start the proceedings with action in their half. In the first minute they look to go slow. And suddenly Vecino comes up with a kick from almost half way mark. That was pretty wide of the goalkeeper too.

STAT ATTACK: Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will win 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.

The news from other match between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is that Mohamed Salah will be playing this final Group A encounter. 

#KSAEGY // FORMATIONS

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— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

The news from other match between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is that Mohamed Salah will be playing this final Group A encounter. 

#KSAEGY // FORMATIONS

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— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

We are just minutes away from the start of this all important encounter between Uruguay and Russia. Uruguay would like to be a little more sharp on the field, whereas Russia would like to continue their winning momentum. They have surprised one and by their performance in this tournament. 

Forward Fyodor Smolov was also in combative mood. “After the friendly game with Turkey I stopped following the mass media. Yes, we are probably the worst people in the country,” he said sarcastically?" But now? We are all grown-ups and we are doing what we are supposed to do. It is us who are in first place and we are happy with what we have done.” Whoever qualifies atop Group A will play the runner-up from Group B. Portugal, Spain and Iran all stand a chance of qualifying from Group B.

Although Cherchesov refused to answer the question on doping tests, he did respond to the query on distance covered. “If nobody has noticed anything other than runs and sprints then we will have to do something else,” Cherchesvo said with a smile. “There is motivation to perform at the World Cup with the public’s support.”

Cherchesov bristled when asked about the number of routine drugs tests his team have faced and also the distances Russian players have run at this tournament. The topic came up after Russian doctor Eduard Bezuglov said the hosts had given over 300 testing samples to FIFA and other governing bodies - a number he said was twice as many as the England team. Also according to FIFA’s statistics Russia have covered more ground than any other team, with their opening 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia seeing them run a collective 118 kilometers.

Cherchesov bristled when asked about the number of routine drugs tests his team have faced and also the distances Russian players have run at this tournament. The topic came up after Russian doctor Eduard Bezuglov said the hosts had given over 300 testing samples to FIFA and other governing bodies - a number he said was twice as many as the England team. Also according to FIFA’s statistics Russia have covered more ground than any other team, with their opening 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia seeing them run a collective 118 kilometers.

The formations for #URURUS...

Who are you backing? pic.twitter.com/YaYx2JniXO

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

Despite securing Russia’s first last-16 appearance since 1986, when they qualified as the Soviet Union, Cherchesov does not want his players to drop their guard against Uruguay. “We are preparing for this game exactly the same way,” he said. Qualification doesn’t mean a thing. Those players who are better prepared will play. Our medical team will also advise us. No special changes are expected.”

After Russia, the lowest ranked team at the tournament, surpassed expectations by winning both of their games so far, pressure has been mounting on Cherchesov's men to keep up the winning run. Cherchesov, however, expects his players will be up to the task. “They keep asking me about pressure but this is a medical term,” Cherchesov said. “We are professional players who are preparing for our game. This is the World Cup and the team must be in the optimum condition. We are a team and we must do our job.”

The line-ups for both the teams are out. While there are three changes for Russia, Uruguay will be going in with four different players.

We have our first set of teams confirmed!

Here are the line-ups for #URURUS...#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/x6CJZlq1w3

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov was in bullish mood ahead match, dismissing suggestions his men were under pressure because of their status as World Cup hosts. With both teams having already qualified for the last-16, Monday's match will decide the group winners. A draw will ensure Russia will finish as group winners due to their superior goal difference.

Hello and welcome to the last stages of the league game. In fray tonight are hosts Russia against Uruguay in Samara. Both the teams have already qualified for last 16 and would be looking to seal the top spot in the group. Russia till now has surprised one and all in it's WC journey so far by hammering the likes of Egypt and Saudi Arabia and have a healthy goal difference of +7. Can they produce another inspired performance against the two-time champions remains to be seen.