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Matias Vecino helps lead Uruguay to second World Cup win

Los Celeste get past Saudi Arabia, 1-0 to advance

Uruguay v Saudi Arabia: Group A - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Matias Vecino of Uruguay battles for possession with Hatan Bahbir of Saudi Arabia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at Rostov Arena on June 20, 2018 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia.
Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino and his Uruguay national team have found themselves in the knockout stage of the 2018 World Cup.

Thanks to a first half goal by FC Barcelona striker Luis Suarez, Los Celeste moved past Saudi Arabia, 1-0 in Rostov Wednesday and into the Round of 16.

Their final group stage matchup with host Russia will determine their position in the next round. A win sees them top of the group while a loss or draw will make them second. Russia has a goal differential of +7 while Uruguay is at +2.

For Suarez, his goal came in his 100th appearance for the national team and after a lackluster performance in Uruguay’s 1-0 tournament-opening win against Egypt. His shot came on a volley from Edinson Cavani — another Uruguayan who underperformed against Egypt — in the 23rd minute of the match.

For his part, Vecino yielded little on offense as following the Suarez goal, his position was relegated to more of a defensive posture.

He was brought off early in the first half for Lucas Torreira who did have an attempt at goal in the 80th minute that went wide of the goal.

Uruguay will take on Russia at 10 a.m. Monday in the final group stage game.


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