Suarez scores again, Uruguay beats host Russia 3-0

"It's important for strikers to score," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said. "When they feel comfortable or at home, they score goals. Strikers contribute a lot to a team. We know as we improve our game we will offer opportunities to all of our players to improve their game."

Uruguay was making its 12th appearance at the World Cup, which it won in 1930 and 1950. More recently, the team finished fourth in South Africa in 2010 and made the round of 16 in Brazil four years ago.

"It's clear that they have top notch players, while we have very good players, too," Cherchesov said. "I like how my team played after we lost one player. We were rather aggressive."

GROUP DYNAMICS

By finishing second in Group A, Russia will next play at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow against Group B winner Spain.

Because Russia had the advantage on goal difference from its first two group matches, it would have won the group with a draw.