Uruguay beat Russia 3-0 to top Group A
Samara, June 25: Uruguay finished on top of Group A after thrashing 10-man Russia 3-0 in their final group stage match here on Monday.
Luis Suárez gave Uruguay the lead after 10 minutes with a superb free-kick just outside the penalty area, taking advantage of a gap created by Sergei Ignashevich tussling with Edinson Cavani.
Russian Denis Cheryshev then had the misfortune to double Uruguay's lead in the 23rd minute, a shot from Diego Laxalt that was going wide clipping his heels.
The hosts' hopes were then finished off by Igor Smolnikov picking up two yellow cards in rapid succession.
Uruguay sealed the deal in their favour in the 90th minute when Cavani followed up a header from Diego Godín that was saved by Akinfeev after a late corner, only for Cavani to tuck away the rebound.
Uruguay will next play the runners-up of Group B in the last 16 on Saturday in Sochi.
Russia, meanwhile, have finished second and will play the winners of Group B in the last 16 on Sunday at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
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Karnataka's Bill against Hate Speeches conspiracy against Hindutva activists: Pramod Muthalik
Davanagere: Sri Rama Sene national president Pramod Muthalik has accused the state government of using the proposed Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill to target Hindus and to suppress Hindutva organisations and their leaders.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Muthalik said the Sene opposes the Bill. According to him, the government is bringing this legislation only to appease Muslim voters while selectively targeting Hindu voices.
He questioned whether it is wrong to speak against cow slaughter when the ban is already in force but violations still occur in many places. “Is it wrong to raise awareness among Hindus about love jihad? Is it wrong to oppose illegal construction of churches, mosques or encroachments on cremation grounds? Is objecting to religious conversions wrong?” he asked.
Muthalik alleged that the Bill attempts to silence anyone who questions or protests such issues. He said the move goes against the spirit of the Constitution framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar and is aimed at weakening the Hindu community.
He urged BJP and JD(S) MLAs to strongly oppose the Bill in the upcoming session and ensure it does not get passed. The organisation will submit memorandums to all legislators and mount pressure, he added.
During the press meet, Muthalik tore copies of the Bill in protest. Leaders of Sri Rama Sene including Parashuram Nadavinamani, Yashavanth, Sridhar and Madhu were present.
