World Cup 2018: Uruguay 3 - 0 Russia - 3 key moments

3) 36' - Igor Smolnikov is sent off

No way back from here

Russia's first choice right-back Mario Fernandes was rested in favour of Igor Smolnikov and this was a decision that proved disastrous for the hosts. Having been booked in the 28th minute for a hard challenge on Edinson Cavani near the halfway line, one would have expected Smolnikov to tone down his aggression for the remainder of the match. Instead, another rash tackle as Diego Laxalt sped down the left flank gave the referee no other option than to issue him his marching orders just 8 minutes later.

The ramifications of the sending-off were far more serious than just losing a player on the pitch. Manager Stanislav Cherchesov immediately turned to Fernandes to regain some sense of stability at the back and opted to bring him on in place of Denis Cheryshev. With Golovin rested for the game and Dzyuba looking isolated up top, the substitution of Cheryshev only served to remove whatever little attacking threat the Russians had posed till that point. Trailing by two goals, down a man, and with their star player back in the dugout, this was the moment that put the game well and truly beyond Russia's reach.