Uruguay wins group A, Russia regresses

They have been touted as the weakest hosts of all time. With two games, they were, statistically, the best team at the 2018 World Cup. Something was wrong.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The roar of Russia to his The World Cup has sparked a wide range of reactions. This led to wonder He fueled the doping conspiracies. More than anything, however, it caused surprise. And that implied the question: Was the domination sustainable?"data-reactid =" 23 "> Roaring start of Russia to his The World Cup has sparked a wide range of reactions. This led to wonder He fueled the doping conspiracies. More than anything, however, it caused surprise. And that implied the question: Was the domination sustainable?

The answer, which Uruguay helped discover Monday, is a resounding no.

In their third and final group match, visiting hosts and Uruguayans reformed. Both, finally, re-aligned with expectations before the tournament. Uruguay was 3-0 ahead of Group A and showed why 180 disappointing minutes before were irrelevant.

In contrast, the World Cup of Russia was closed. And maybe for good.

Russia regresses

Russia is an edifying account of overreaction to major tournaments, small samples and weak opponents. His eight goals and one conceded in two matches caused a sensation. But they came against Saudi Arabia and Egypt, arguably two of the five worst teams in the competition.

The real Russia was the one exposed on Monday. There were some hindrances, such as the absence of Aleksandr Golovin, who was rested to avoid the suspension of the yellow card. But it was more like the team we were waiting to see: Poor, decent going from the front, vulnerable to the back.

The second yellow card of Igor Smolnikov, who more or less cemented the victory of Uruguay at the end of the first half, was representative of this vulnerability:

Similarly, several other Uruguayan counterattacks have fizzled, and the one that led to the first goal.

Russia is still a lot better than many thought. It's certainly far better than the FIFA rankings – which should never be quoted to evaluate the quality of a team – let down. But this is not a semi-final threat.

Uruguay, however, is.

Uruguay worries

Uruguay has not proved that. In the weakest group in the history of the World Cup, this has really proved nothing. But he also did not offer any negative evidence.

The South Americans were popular sleepers before the kickoff of the tournament, but had not exactly confirmed these predictions in their first two games. Their inability to knock Saudi Arabia down in a 1-0 win was particularly troubling.

But manager Oscar Tabarez returned to his best selection on Monday, reviving Nahitan Nandez and presenting Lucas Torreira in a 4-3-1-2, with Rodrigo Bentancur supporting the first two. Bentancur, who has impressed so far at the World Cup, won the free kick at the edge of the area that led to Suarez's opening:

Edinson Cavani came out late. Both before shoot now. And the goals aside, they were in transition as they do when they are at their best. They were not as clinical as they often are. But you would not bet against them by taking chances in an elimination match.

They are a reason why Uruguay is dangerous. So a defense that has not conceded a goal in 540 minutes of football in 2018. More severe tests are coming, but there is no sign of leakage.

That Uruguay fought against the lower opponents earlier in the tournament does not matter. It will be an infernal showdown for anyone in the round of 16 and perhaps beyond.

What does the result mean?

The World Cup of Russia, of course, is not over. The hosts clinched the qualification for the round of 16 last week.

Monday's game was one of the least significant decisors of the third day. With both teams already in play, the stake was the top spot in Group A. The Uruguay claimed and will play Saturday. Russia has plunged into the slot machine and will play Sunday.

But they do not know their opponents yet. They will find out later on Tuesday. Uruguay will get the second place in Group B. Russia will get the winner of Group B. One or the other of the opponents could be Spain, Portugal or the United States. Iran.

With Spain, the favorite to finish first, Russia and Uruguay played to win on Monday. Uruguay has won. Now he's waiting to see if he'll get a favorable match.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "– – – – – – –"data-reactid =" 50 ">– – – – – – –

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Henry Bushnell covers the world football for Yahoo Sports. Do you have any advice? Question? Comment? Write it to [email protected]or follow him on Twitter @HenryBushnell, and on Facebook."data-reactid =" 51 ">Henry Bushnell covers the world football for Yahoo Sports. Do you have any advice? Question? Comment? Write it to [email protected]or follow him on Twitter @HenryBushnell, and on Facebook.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "More World Cup on Yahoo Sports:
• Bushnell: Both sides of Toni Kroos and Germany
• Dramatic late winner of Kroos saves Germany
• FIFA knew of Russian doping, did nothing – report
• Why Swiss goals, celebrations were both political and provocative
"data-reactid =" 52 ">More World Cup on Yahoo Sports:
• Bushnell: Both sides of Toni Kroos and Germany
• Dramatic late winner of Kroos saves Germany
• FIFA knew of Russian doping, did nothing – report
• Why Swiss goals, celebrations were both political and provocative