Uruguay beat hosts Russia 3-0
Luis Suarez finally got rattled at this year’s World Cup. Sitting at the podium in the post-match 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 behaviour in Russia, scoring twice as Uruguay swept through the group stage with three straight victories — sending the two-time champions to the knockout round for the third straight World Cup.
Edinson Cavani also scored Monday against the host nation, which dropped their 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 towards a match in Sochi on Saturday against the second-place finisher from Group B.
NO GOALS CONCEDED
Uruguay, which also benefited from an own-goal in the first half, had their 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.
By advancing to the Round of 16 with victories over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Russia secured their 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.
Suarez, who seems to have put past World Cup controversies behind him, scored with a low shot from just outside the box that sailed past the wall of Russian players and into the right corner of the goal. The Barcelona striker then blew a kiss to the national team’s fans.
Suarez is the all-time leading scorer for Uruguay with 53 international goals in 101 appearances, including a goal against Saudi Arabia last Wednesday.
But his two past World Cups have been marked by controversy: He was sent home from Brazil four years ago for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. In 2010, he used his hands to block Dominic Adiyiah’s header and then celebrated when Ghana missed the penalty kick. Uruguay prevailed in a shoot-out, and Suarez was marked as
a dirty player.