The second round of matches in Group A of the World Cup conclude in the second of the three games on show in the tournament on Wednesday when Saudi Arabia look to put up a much better showing against Uruguay than they did in their opener.
Uruguay go into the match having seen off Egypt in the first game and they know that a victory here will them through to the last 16 and make them favourites to top the group. They will do that if they beat Russia in their final match.
Uruguay
You would be bending the truth if you suggested that Uruguay were good in their first game against Egypt but they got the result and that was the most important thing. In an ideal world they would have looked good and put in a wonderful performance but we don’t live in them. I’m sure if you asked them they will have taken the result without the eye catching play.
As the move forward in the tournament there is no doubt they will need to improve, especially in their attacking play. They have a serious threat at set pieces but there appeared to be little cohesion between their two strikers and a surprising lack of creativity in the centre of the park made things difficult for them. They should have no issues with that here in truth.
Saudi Arabia
The most disappointed side in the opening round of matches in the tournament will have been Saudi Arabia. I say that not just because they got thrashed by the hosts Russia but their performance in particular will have disappointed them. They have little or no chance of making it through now but they will at least want to show what they can do on this stage before they leave.
One thing the Saudis simply have to do in this match is defend so much better than they did against Russia. They were nervous at the back and the Russians picked up on that and picked them apart and with the likes of Suarez and Cavani in the opposition here they won’t get away with any defensive nerves again.
Team News
Oscar Tabarez could make a couple of changes to his side with Carlos Sanchez and Cristian Rodriguez ready to come into the midfield after the players he used there in their opener failed to impress too much.
Saudi Arabia coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has to make changes to his side. A team can’t perform like they did in their first match and not face the consequences. Muhannad Assiri could be one looking to come in.
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Betting
I think the only bet that is possible to take in this match is Uruguay to win to nil. They will win the game barring something of a miracle while their defensive record is enough to suggest they will win it without conceding even before we take into account how little Saudi Arabia offered against Russia in their opening match.
Uruguay are built on a strong defensive foundation which should keep their sheet clean and even if they are lethargic up front again they should have enough to find a goal. How many they score will depend on their performance but at 8/11 Uruguay winning to nil appeals strongly here.
Tips
WON – Back Uruguay to win to nil for a 5/10 stake at 1.73 with BetVictor
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