Uruguay has secured top spot in Group A at the Fifa World Cup after cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory over host nation Russia at the Samara Arena on Monday afternoon.

Russia’s impressive progression to the last 16 has provided one of the tournament’s major surprises so far, but Stanislav Cherchesov’s side were brought back down to earth in a sweltering Samara.

In a fast start, Uruguay were ahead inside 10 minutes as Luis Suarez, who scored the winner against Saudi Arabia on match-day two, found the net with a pinpoint free kick.

Denis Cheryshev’s own goal compounded Russia’s misery 13 minutes later, with Igor Smolnikov’s dismissal – a second yellow card issued for a foul on Edinson Cavani prior to half-time – all but ending hopes of a comeback.

Russia showed greater solidity after the interval, with Artem Dzyuba wasting a chance for a consolation, but the damage was already done by the time Cavani got his first goal of the tournament in the 90th minute.

Portugal and Spain – who face Iran and already-eliminated Morocco respectively later on Monday – are likely to await these sides in the knockout stages, with Uruguay’s victory meaning they will face the side who finish second in Group B.

In other Group A results: 

Mohamed Salah was on target but was unable to help Egypt avoid three consecutive defeats in Group A games following their 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.