Prediction: Draw
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We re finally on the verge of the final set of group stage games, and for many teams, their future is uncertain. Underdogs have a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16, big favourites are on the verge of elimination, and some teams haven t even played their second games yet. Still, while all of that is going on, Uruguay and Russia can rest easy knowing that their passage into the knockout stages is secure with both teams picking up two wins from their first two games thus far in the tournament.
Uruguay
As is usually the case, Uruguay came into this tournament with a flying under the radar kind of mentality. While they ve got a proven track record on the big stage people have continued to underestimate them, and while they ve been anything but remarkable, they ve done what they needed to do thus far. Two 1-0 victories over Egypt Saudi Arabia have ensured that they ll be forcing their way into the next round, but you have to question whether or not their killer instinct is still there.
Team News
Carlos Sanchez will likely keep his place in the team, whereas it ll be interesting to see whether or not the boss rests Cavani or Suarez ahead of the knockouts.
Russia
The expectations surrounding the Russian national team were extremely low heading into the World Cup, and now, they re one of the dark horses to go far in the tournament. That s what confidence will do for you in this game, and following their 5-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia, it was clear to see that they were thriving off of the atmospheres created at their matches. Their 3-1 triumph over Egypt confirmed that they re a force to be reckoned with, and nobody will want to come up against them as we move forward.
Team News
Denis Cheryshev will probably appear in some capacity to please the home fans, with Yuri Zhirkov and Sergei Ignashevich continuing to impress at the back.
Factors to Consider
In their only international game against each other, Uruguay Russia drew 1-1 back in 2012.
Uruguay have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games including a three-game win streak.
Russia have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games including a two-game win streak.
Uruguay have scored two goals in their opening two World Cup games, conceding none.
Russia have scored eight goals in their opening two World Cup games, conceding one.
Conclusion
While logic would suggest that this should be an absolute barnburner of a game, we don t think it s going to go down that way. Both Uruguay and Russia know full well that they re on their way through to the Round of 16, which has taken a great deal of tension away from this game. They ll both look to be quite conservative, even with Russia s free-scoring form in the opening two games. We think that both teams will get on the scoresheet, but it ll end 1-1 to give Russia top spot in Group A.
Prediction: Draw
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