Key Battle: Uruguay vs Russia – Can Godin stem free-flowing Russian attack without Gimenez?
You would have got ludicrously long odds on Russia being the top scorers at the 2018 World Cup before the tournament started. However, two games into the group stage and only England and Belgium have netted as many times as the hosts this summer (8).
Russia have performed above expectations this summer and are on course to finish Group A as winners, most likely setting up a tough round of 16 clash against Spain or Euro 2016 winners Portugal.
They have blown Saudi Arabia and Egypt away in their first two matches and it would be a huge statement from Stanislav Cherchesov’s side if they can continue to play free-flowing football against Uruguay on Monday afternoon.
Uruguay were expected to breeze through Group A, but have laboured to two 1-0 wins. The South American side have already secured their place in the next round of the competition but must beat Russia to qualify to the round of 16 as group winners.
Oscar Tabarez’s side have really struggled to get anything going in attack this summer, which does not reflect well on his management when they have Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, arguably the best strike partnership at the tournament, at their disposal.
Suarez opened his account for the tournament in Uruguay’s 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia but was gifted an open goal by goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais. Aside from that, however, the Barcelona striker has been in turgid form. In fact, no player has missed more clear-cut goalscoring chances than the Uruguayan at the 2018 World Cup (3).
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While Uruguay’s attack has flattered to deceive, their rear-guard has unsurprisingly been faultless. Tabarez’s side are one of only two teams that are yet to concede at the 2018 World Cup and the performances of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez have been the only real plus points for La Celeste.
The Atletico Madrid duo have barely put a foot wrong this summer and Gimenez has even scored at the other end this summer, netting their opening goal of the tournament. Monday afternoon will present Uruguay’s defence with their toughest test and it will be even more difficult as Gimenez has been ruled out through injury.
Unlike Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Russia will hope to cause Uruguay more problems at the Samara Arena. The hosts are boosted by news Gimenez will not feature, with Sebastian Coates set to deputise, and have a number of in-form players in attack. Denis Cheryshev, Aleksandr Golovin and Artem Dzyuba have all flourished for Russia and will hope to become the first players to break through Uruguay's strong backline.
Dzyuba is averaging a goal or an assist every 33 minutes of World Cup action this summer and his ability in the air will certainly provide Godin a problem he has not yet encountered in Russia. In fact, of players that have managed at least 45 minutes of playing time at the 2018 World Cup, Dzyuba is winning more aerial duels per 90 than any other player (9.1). Meanwhile, only three players have scored more times than Cheryshev this summer (3) and Golovin is one of only three players that have provided multiple assists (2).
The way the South Americans have played over the first two games does not inspire great confidence they have the ability to suddenly switch it on and turn over the hosts, so it will be up to Godin and Gimenez's replacement to continue Uruguay's fine form at the back and nullify Russia in attack.
