World Cup 2018: The best and worst players from Russia v Uruguay

Uruguay topped Group A with a commanding 3-0 victory at the expense of home boys Russia. With five goals from set-pieces, no goals conceded and a fine goal difference, they gave Russia a reality check.

The hosts started the first-half in authoritative fashion, flying out of the blocks early on and adding confusion to the Uruguayan back line early on. The visitors struggled to find their shape in the opening exchanges but pounced on a free kick to take the lead against the run of play.

One can't keep the most lethal striker in the world out for too long. He only needs one chance, and boy he capitalized on a chance this time around.

However, the spirited Russian side, supported by their beloved fans, didn't let the goal get onto their minds. They created two clear-cut opportunities before Luis Suarez and co. added another to knock the stuffing out of the home side.

Diego Laxalt fired one in, which deflected off a white shirt to leave Akinfeev with no chance whatsoever. Matters only got worse when Smolnikov picked up two yellow cards in quick succession. The wait for the half-time whistle only got tougher.

Uruguay resumed positively after the break, making full use of an extra man in the outfield. They passed around with ease, found acres of space and enjoyed a plain sail in this half. Some poor finishing from Russia helped their cause too.

Russia bossed possession but couldn't get through a well-organised, resolute Uruguayan defence. Stanislav Cherchesov's side stacked together an array of passes and one-touch plays, but couldn't include creativity in their system of attack.

The absence of their best player at the moment, Denis Cheryshev and Fedor Smolov for the most part of the match affected their innovation.

Minutes before the match ended, Cavani found the back of the net to score a first World Cup goal for Uruguay in a victorious cause. The predator searched all half for his goal, which looked hard to come by. As a result, Oscar Tabarez's troops topped their pool with nine points.

Here are five players who encountered the most contrasting of expeditions:

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#5 Best: Luis Suarez

Can you keep him out of the action?

First and foremost, the Barcelona forward started off something special for his side, against the run of play. When Russia were moving around in 6th gear, Suarez broke their momentum in the best possible way.

Right on the edge of the box, he stood tall and confident before making the right connection. He perfectly placed it to the bottom corner, bending it around the wall with the right measure of pace and fizz.

Since then, he never looked back. Suarez offered plenty going forward and while linking up play. He always looked to find his partner in crime, Edinson Cavani. Apart from this prolific partnership, Suarez's deft touches and flicks were the ones that brought in a sense of panic to the opposition defence.

He was always willing to receive a pass and initiate an attack. His work rate too was praiseworthy.

#4 Worst: Aleksey Miranchuk

Miranchuk didn't find a way through

Aleksey Miranchuk was one of the many Russian forwards who just couldn't find a way through.

He lacked the zip, the zestfulness that is usually expected of a number 10. His passing was way too safe and conservative. Whenever he tried to play a forward in behind the back line, Godin and co. sensed the predictable pass and snuffed out any potential danger.

Miranchuk was found running aimlessly at the opposition defensive cover. He charged down with little knowledge of his next move. More often than not, he lost the ball and overran. Some of his touches were heavy too.

While putting in the defensive shift, the 22 year old was average. Due to the lack of inventiveness in the final third, he was substituted just before the hour mark.

#3 Best: Lucas Torreira

Torreira was a rock in front of the defence

Not many would have noticed, but Lucas Torreira rose up to the occasion in emphatic style.

He served as a scabbard in front of the defence and mopped up any sort of danger that came their way. Not only was he tactically excellent, but also with the ball at his feet.

If viewed in the tactical aspect, he screened the back line, stuck to his positions and selected his players whenever Russia got forward in numbers. Defensively, he was rather rock-solid, as he launched his tackles at the right time, gained back possession and blocked passing lanes.

Due to his defensive sheath, the likes of Nahitan Nandez and Vecino were able to play with freedom. His passing was neat, tidy and accurate.

He claimed his moments while going forward too, playing it wide, combining with his colleagues and switching play successfully.

#2 Worst: Igor Smolnikov

Off you go!

There's no reason why this man shouldn't be on the wrong side of this list.

It wasn't a happy outing for him, as he got himself booked twice in the space of just eight minutes.

His first booking was not required if viewed closely, as he clattered into Cavani when the forward posed no real threat from the half line. For no reason whatsoever, the right-back shifted from his position, followed the PSG forward and sent him to ground.

His second challenge was needless and reckless. If the context of the game is taken into account, it was an absolute shocker from his side. Knowing that his side was already 2-0 down, the harsh tackle should have been the last thing on his mind.

After that send-off, we all knew it was over for the hosts. The entire team was held responsible for a couple of silly moments created by him.

#1 Best: Diego Godin

Godin led by example

Diego Godin was unbeatable and unbreakable. By no means did he show a single glimpse of him being beaten.

A defensive colossus for Uruguay for the years, Diego Godin has taken this World Cup by storm and this time too, it was no different. There was nothing he didn't do to maintain the clean sheet.

He mauled Dzyuba and Miranchuk with his robustness and physicality, disallowing them any sort of space inside the box. Neither did they turn, nor did they get past his resolve. Godin won headers, closed down players, kept it clean while tackling and picked a couple of delightful passes across the pitch.

Most importantly, he constructed what looks like the most well-drilled defence in this World Cup. He marshaled them well in set-pieces too, which is Uruguay's biggest strength.

For the second goal, he leaped higher than anyone to force a save from Akinfeev, which was eventually dispatched by Cavani.