No matter what happens now, Russia has to consider the World Cup a success. Russia has already clinched a spot in the knockout rounds prior to its final match against Uruguay. Despite looking shaky in their friendlies leading up to the competition, they have hammered their opponents and are now going to make it out of the Group Stage for the first time since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. A win or a draw will lead to them beating out Uruguay for the top spot due to goal differential, while a loss will give Uruguay the group and force Russia to face the winner of Group B.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Samara Arena in Samara at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, June 25, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Uruguay +158
Russia +206
Draw +207
Over/Under 2
Recent Form
Uruguay has not been the juggernaut we believed they would be. They were the odds-on favorite to win Group A prior to the start of the World Cup, but they won’t be too upset about the position they are in after two 1-0 victories over Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Against Egypt, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani were able to threaten, but they didn’t break through until Jose Gimenez headed home a free kick in the 89th minute. Suarez was able to score in the 23rd off of a corner kick versus Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, and that proved to be the decider.
No team has looked more impressive than Russia thus far. Russia came into the World Cup with the second-worst ranking of the 32 teams that qualified for the competition and had not scored multiple goals in a match since June of last year when they notched two against New Zealand.
While everyone else is struggling to score goals, the Russians have had no problem finding the back of the net in their two matches. They got off to a glorious start by crushing Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opener with Denis Cheryshev notching a brace, and they followed that up with a 3-1 victory over Egypt their next time out.
Player to Watch
Although it would be easy to highlight Cheryshev in this spot since his three goals lead the pack in the race for the Golden Boot, the one to keep an eye on is Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan striker no longer gets the attention he once did with the play of Luis Suarez, but Cavani has been really good thus far.
Cavani has yet to find the back of the net, yet it seems like it’s only a matter of time. He easily could have notched two against Egypt in the opener and was continually threatening Saudi Arabia’s back line.
Matchup to Watch
As prolific as Russia have been on the attack, they have not faced teams that are known for their defensive prowess. Saudi Arabia was seen as the worst team entering the World Cup, and Egypt’s back line had its fair share of problems.
Russia has largely overpowered its opponents on and off the ball. Artem Dyzuba is 6’5 and has scored in both matches due to his size and strength, and the team as a whole has done very well on set pieces.
Finding goals against Uruguay will prove much more difficult. Uruguay have a solid, experienced back line, and they have not really allowed either Egypt or Saudi Arabia to threaten. Diego Godin and Maxi Pereira are the leaders in the back, and they will look to send a message.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
It’s a little tempting to take Russia at this price considering how they have played, but it’s time for the cream to rise to the crop. Uruguay are a clear cut above and will finish the Group Stage at 3-0.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Uruguay 2, Russia 1
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