With their 3-0 win against hosts Russia, Uruguay closed out their World Cup group phase with a perfect record: three wins in as many matches, with no goals allowed and having secured the top spot in Group A. The goals that they missed in the first two games finally appeared, especially with the strike by Edinson Cavani, one of La Celeste's key men.
Positives
Uruguay's victory had several positives after their unconvincing performances in the first two matches despite their wins, but against Russia they managed to do both things: win and convince. A better-structured formation down the middle provided them with a stronger platform to launch their attacks. This way, they didn't need to rely so much on Cavani and Luis Suarez, and several other teammates were able to become attacking options.
Negatives
It may sound illogical, but this win may complicate Uruguay. Beyond the round-of-16 clash -- tentatively, Spain or Portugal -- their likely opponents in the quarterfinals and the semifinals sound more accessible on the bottom part of the draw. But Uruguay didn't play looking at the numbers; they played to win, as their manager and players had said before the match. They did so convincingly, and they stand strong in the face of the upcoming games.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Oscar Washington Tabarez envisioned the game before his squad set foot on the field. His XI was a surprise, with a diamond-shaped midfield that improved his team collectively.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Fernando Muslera, 6 -- He denied Russia when Uruguay were up 1-0, and in the final minutes he made another important save. He earned his 100th cap for Uruguay and didn't allow any goals in the group stage.
DF Martin Caceres, 6 -- He improved his performance considerably playing on the right, where he clearly feels more comfortable.
DF Sebastian Coates, 6 -- He was called into action to replace Jose Maria Gimenez and did so with confidence. He kept the huge Artem Dzyuba in line and cleared all incursions into the box.
DF Diego Godin, 8 -- If anyone can account for Uruguay's unblemished goals-against record so far, it's Godin. Against Russia, once again, his presence was key to Uruguay's stronghold, their defense.
DF Diego Laxalt, 7 -- He proved to be the right choice for the left flank. With tremendous speed he came and went along his wing, he opened up the game, and was also decisive in creating the second goal.
MF Lucas Torreira, 8 -- On his debut as a World Cup starter, he played as if he had 100 caps under his belt. He moved up and down the pitch with an admirable ability for location and recovery.
MF Nahitan Nandez, 5 -- He ran tirelessly along the right side but was his team's least reliable player with the ball at his feet.
MF Rodrigo Bentancur, 7 -- Tabarez made him advance through the middle, he was unmarked and thus he could move forward. This allowed him to play a deeper game and link with Cavani and Suarez.
MF Matias Vecino, 6 -- Torreira's presence improved Vecino's level. He ran the field and was seen more confident with the ball. He's still erratic down the middle when he has to pass the ball.
FW Luis Suarez, 6 -- He scored for the second consecutive game and is beginning to show his usual self. He ran, put pressure on his rivals and annoyed them at will. When he faced his defenders, he was simply unstoppable.
FW Edinson Cavani, 6 -- He was the usual threat and worked hard throughout the game. He can even sacrifice for the team and move downfield. By the end of the match, he found the goal he had been looking for.
Substitutions
MF Giorgian De Arrascaeta, 5 -- Brought on when Uruguay wasn't in need of an advantage. He tried to control the ball and he set the forwards in the attack.
MF Cristian Rodriguez, 5 -- He delivered as usual, with intensity back and forth.