Talking Points: Can Uruguay do better than 2010 in Russia?

Topping Group A, the South Americans blitzed past the host nation in a rather one-sided affair.

Oscar Tabarez's men showed once again that they are not meant to be taken lightly, as they trounced hosts Russia 3-0. Luis Suarez scored in the 10th minute, followed by a Denis Cheryshev own-goal and Edinson Cavani's strike in the last minute of the 90.

In this article, we are going to discuss the five talking points observed during this match.

5. Russia are not ready to face the heavyweights yet

Whatever hard-work, the host nation had put in in the past two matches came crumbling down to Luis Suarez and Co. Russia looked great in their fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Egypt. But, when up against a big team like Uruguay, nerves and mistakes crept in.

Their midfield lost the battle right from the start to an underperforming opposition midfield. Although, already through to the knockout rounds, Stanislav Cherchesov has a lot of work on. The team seems to lack the confidence when up against a solid side.

4. Oscar Tabarez needs to tinker his midfield a little bit

Tabarez hasn't found the balance in midfield yet, with the players underperforming in that area.

They don't seem to lack talent, but its just not working out well in the middle of the park for them.

3. Uruguay can repeat something like South Africa 2010

FIFA World Cup 2010 was a shining spot in Uruguay's football history, where against all odds, the South American nation-led by Diego Forlan came fourth.

It was a crazy tournament with some terrific goals by La Celeste including the likes of Forlan and Suarez.

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Although, they weren't sharp against Egypt, Tabarez's men look more confident and solid as a team to face anybody in Russia. Diego Godin has been solid and so has Jose Gimenez. Upfront, Cavani and Suarez are linking well. Everything seems to be working out for them.

2. Russia miss Alan Dzagoev

Although, the hosts blitzed past their other group opponents, they are in dire need of a talisman. Russian top scorer Denis Dmitriyevich Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin lack the experience to play big teams like Uruguay.

Dzagoev is their talisman and he could have been the spark for them in this fixture. Having missed the entire group stage, he might just be back in the next round.

1. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are back

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When you are up against two of the best goalscorers in modern football, you need to have an able-minded and confident backline – which Russia seemed to lack.

Whenever Suarez has scored in a World Cup game for Uruguay they have won and when he didn't (thrice), they have lost. This very well sums up his influence on La Celeste. Accompanied by his teammate Cavani, Uruguay can win any game. The Barcelona striker and PSG player were dominant throughout the match.