Luis Suarez’s two goals lead Uruguay past host Russia at World Cup.
SAMARA, Russia – Luis Suarez finally got rattled at this year’s World Cup.
Sitting at the podium in the postmatch news conference following Uruguay’s 3-0 victory over Russia, a reporter asked him why he often wore a sad expression.
Suarez tossed aside his translation headphones, then smiled broadly in defiance and finally said: “What a waste of time. Next question please.”
Other than that little blip, Suarez has been on his best behavior in Russia, scoring twice as Uruguay swept through the group stage with three straight victories – sending the twotime champions to the knockout round for the third straight World Cup.
Edinson Cavani also scored Monday against the host nation, which dropped its first match of the tournament.
Both teams were already assured of spots in the knockout round, but Uruguay’s victory put it at the top of Group A and looking toward a match in Sochi on Saturday against Portugal.
Uruguay, which also benefited from an own-goal in the first half, had its third straight shutout of the tournament after consecutive 1-0 victories over Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Uruguayans and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera have not allowed a goal in any of the team’s six matches this year.
“After winning the first two matches 1-0, our goal was to get another,” Suarez said. “We wanted to play the same we had before, only better.”
By advancing to the round of 16 with victories over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Russia secured its best World Cup showing in the post-Soviet era. But Uruguay – ranked No. 14 in the world – posed a far greater challenge to the hosts.
Spain 2, Morocco 2
KALININGRAD, Russia – A video replay in injury time gave Spain the goal it needed to win Group B at the World Cup.
Spain substitute Iago Aspas scored the late equalizer in a draw with Morocco. His clever deflection off a cross from Dani Carvajal was initially disallowed for offside, but the video assistant referee overruled the call at Kaliningrad Stadium.
Earlier, a mix-up by Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos gifted Morocco its first goal of the World Cup. Iniesta quickly made amends by setting up Isco at the other end to bring Spain level at halftime.
Portugal 1, Iran 1
SARANSK, Russia – Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty cost Portugal first place in its World Cup group.
Portugal finished second in Group B after a draw with Iran. The 2016 European champions will next face Uruguay on Saturday in the round of 16.
Saudi Arabia 2, Egypt 1
VOLGOGRAD, Russia – The oldest person to play in a World Cup match gave up a pair of goals Monday, allowing Saudi Arabia to beat Egypt in a match between two teams that had already been eliminated.
Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who is 45, took the field for his team’s final group match to set the record.