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Luis Suarez sends Uruguay to the Round of 16

By Sarah Salahpour

SAMARA, RUSSIA JUNE 25, 2018: Uruguay's Luis Suarez in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group A football match against Russia at Samara Arena Stadium. Team Uruguay won the game 3:0. Yegor Aleyev/TASS (Photo by Yegor AleyevTASS via Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA JUNE 25, 2018: Uruguay's Luis Suarez in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group A football match against Russia at Samara Arena Stadium. Team Uruguay won the game 3:0. Yegor Aleyev/TASS (Photo by Yegor AleyevTASS via Getty Images) /
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Luis Suarez scored the crucial first goal in a 3-0 win over hosts Russia to secure first place in the group.

Uruguay are through to the Round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and much credit must be given to their main man Luis Suarez, who paved the way for his national team. The Barcelona striker secured the win early on, just 10 minutes after the initial whistle. A clever free-kick whipped past goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev gave his side the 1-0 advantage, and despite the hosts fighting to find the equaliser, things took a turn for the worse.

Villarreal midfielder Denis Cheryshev lived a complete nightmare against Oscar Tabarez’s men after accidentally putting one past his own keeper to gift Uruguay with an even bigger lead. Things continued to get worse for the Russians, as they went a man down 15 minutes before halftime due to a strong tackle from Zenit right-back Igor Smolnikov. Edinson Cavani scored the third goal to end the contest and make things sweeter for the South American side.

Suarez coming back to life

After a sluggish first match performance against Egypt, missing several clear-cut chances, it seems like the 30-year-old player is back at his best. Not only did Suarez find the back of the net against the hosts of the grand tournament but he was also in charge of scoring in Uruguay’s narrow 1-0 victory over the eliminated Saudi Arabia. Now his focus will turn to Portugal, who finished second in Group B.

Next: Andre Gomes a potential summer target for Valencia

Eyes on Portugal

The next challenge for Suarez and Co. will be to face a hungry Portugal on June 30 at the Fisht Stadium. It will be a battle between La Liga’s greats, as Suarez will go head-to-head with his ultimate club rival Cristiano Ronaldo in a match that will decide the destiny of both teams. A do or die situation and all eyes will be on the Barcelona man, who will fight to help his beloved national team advance to the next round of the World Cup.

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