Each of the 32 teams at the 2018 World Cup have played their first two group games and there are already several teams out. In Group A, Russia and Uruguay have already secured qualification to the knockouts and they face off on Monday afternoon to see who will finish top.

STATS

• Uruguay have had a decent start to the World Cup with two wins from two matches but they would’ve liked to have been more convincing as both games ended 1-0. They had to rely on a 90^th-minute winner from Jose Gimenez against Egypt while a fortunate Luis Suarez goal against Saudi Arabia was enough to eliminate their opponents from the tournament.
• Russia have been absolutely brilliant this summer with two very comfortable victories. An opening day 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia was followed up by a 3-1 cruising past Egypt, making them the joint leading scorers at the World Cup so far. Finishing top of Group A is obviously the aim for the Russians where they will face either Spain, Portugal or Iran.
• The firepower of Uruguay’s attack comes from Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, two of the deadliest strikers in world football, the latter will be hoping to open his account on Monday.
• Denis Cheryshev is Russia’s leading scorer at the World Cup so far with three goals and another goal against Uruguay will keep his hopes of the Golden Boot alive.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two sides have only met once on the world stage and that fixture came six years ago in the build-up to Russia’s European Championship campaign, it ended 1-1. After a goalless first-half, Suarez broke the deadlock before Aleksandr Kerzhakov levelled the match almost instantly afterwards. It’ll be interesting to see how they compare in a major tournament.

URUGUAY NEWS

The South Americans’ match-winning scorer, Gimenez has been ruled out for the game with a thigh injury. Oscar Tabarez didn’t give away who will be replacing the Atletico defender.

Latest matches: Uruguay

20.06.2018	Worl	Uruguay	Saudi Arabia	1:0	W
15.06.2018	Worl	Egypt	Uruguay	0:1	W
07.06.2018	Int.	Uruguay	Uzbekistan	3:0	W
26.03.2018	Int.	Wales	Uruguay	0:1	W
23.03.2018	Int.	Uruguay	Czech Republic	2:0	W

RUSSIA NEWS

The tournament hosts don’t have any injury problems to worry about heading into their final group match, a win would send the country’s confidence through the roof.

Latest matches: Russia

19.06.2018	Worl	Russia	Egypt	3:1	W
14.06.2018	Worl	Russia	Saudi Arabia	5:0	W
05.06.2018	Int.	Russia	Turkey	1:1	D
30.05.2018	Int.	Austria	Russia	1:0	L
27.03.2018	Int.	Russia	France	1:3	L

SUMMARY

Before the start of the World Cup, Uruguay would’ve been seen as huge favourites for this one but after a lack of high-quality performances, Russia will certainly fancy their chances following their electric start. The home fans will be an important factor in Russia’s hopes of a vital win but they are still the underdogs in their clash with the Uruguayans.