We executed our plans perfectly, says Tabarez after win

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez was pleased with his side's performance in it's 3-0 drubbing of Russia on Monday.

This is Oscar Tabarez's fourth World Cup appearance (after 1990, 2010 and 2014); more than any other manager at this year’s tournament.

Uruguay soared into the round-of-16 of the FIFA World Cup 2018 with a resounding 3-0 win over host Russia in its final group match. Luis Suarez opened the scoring with a stunning freekick and an own-goal from Denis Cheryshev made it 2-0 in Uruguay's favour in the 23rd minute. A late Edinson Cavani goal sealed the tie as Uruguay surged to its third straight win in the competition without conceding a single goal.

"We are happy to have played a great game against a team that has been great with their homework so far. We could have won by a bigger margin and there are still a few glitches which we need to iron out before the next game," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said post the win.

READ: Uruguay tops Group with thumping 3-0 win over Russia

"It’s important for strikers to score goals as it gives them confidence. It’s great to see Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani score in today’s game. But, I am sure others will also chip in with goals as we go forward in this competition," he added.

The coach went on to praise his team's balanced approach. "I am happy with the result and it’s great that we kept a clean sheet. The team worked hard and executed the plans perfectly. For me the holy grail of football is the word balance. It’s not an abstract and when we attack it’s because the defence has recovered the ball. So, I want my team to have that balance."

Suarez, who has two goals to his name, was pleased with his side's performance. "We want to keep growing through the World Cup and the best thing today was to do better after winning the last two matches by solitary goal. It's great to top a group for the first time."

"I am not worried by personal reactors and want to reach my goals with the team, work as a unit and with humility. I also recognise the support we received and I thank all the Uruguayans here. 

In the first two matches we were tense as we din’t want to make a mistake. Today we went with a different attitude and perspective and that helped us," he added.