Uruguay Shows Russia It's Time to Raise Their Game
Perhaps Russians just aren't used to the feeling, because it takes them a hella long time to write their word for giddy.
Check it out: головокружительный
That's probably why they pound vodka shots instead.
Not just any vodka, either, it seems. Swedish vodka. Just add a balalaika and remember: drink to remember, drink to forget.
Russians were definitely drinking to remember after victories over Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Dudes apparently forgot that, as hosts, they were playing in the World Cup's Charmin group.
Group A's third round presented the Золотые Орлы -- Golden Eagles -- with a rougher experience, though.
Uruguay, of course, is a different opponent altogether. Dudes have been there and done that.
La Celeste got down to business in a hurry, as they usually do. Dudes were easily playing better, finding spaces, and always a danger.
Thus, it didn't take all that long for their ways to leave a mark. As in a set piece in the 10th minute, when lethal striker Luis Suárez provided the finish..
Things only got better when, in the 23rd minute, Diego Laxalt’s shot was deflected on Denis Cheryshev, tricking Russia’s captain and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev:
This was the first time since 1966 that Uruguay scored two goals in the first half of a World Cup match.
After that one-two punch, Russia appeared a bit lost out there. It got worse.
A flummoxed Igor Smolnikov got nailed with his second yellow card 13 minutes after the goal, so there went any realistic opportunity to get back into the match.
Damn.
All things considered, the Uruguayans might wanna talk to Smolnikov about dual citizenship.
Anyway, give the Russians style points for valor, as it took practically the entire second half for La Celeste to gain the third goal.
On a corner, Diego Godín got close with a header, Akinfeev made a marvelous save, but Edinson Cavani was there to drive it home in the 90th minute, scoring his first goal in this World Cup.
If Russia had any doubt by the end, they don't anymore. Their task just got real.
Dudes now get Spain in the Round of 16, so good luck with that.
Meanwhile Uruguay will say hello to Portugal, no doubt in their own unique way.