Group A round-up: Uruguay star tops highest rated players

In terms of the two qualifiers from Group A, it was as expected in accordance with the odds ahead of the tournament, with Uruguay topping the table, joined by the hosts in second. Egypt’s failure to win as much as a single point was something of a shock, but with star man Mo Salah visibly hampered by the shoulder injury he sustained in the Champions League final last month, the Pharaohs lacked quality.

There were, however, a number of impressive performers in what was viewed as the weakest group at the World Cup, with the top five to make at least two appearances as follows…

5. Roman Zobnin (Russia) - 7.57 rating

While much of the hosts starting line-up was unclear in the run up to the tournament, Zobnin’s place as midfield anchor was never really in doubt bu the physical presence of Yuri Gazinskiy alongside him has freed up the 24-year-old to impress both with and without the ball. He registered an assist in the curtain raiser against Saudi Arabia but his ability to break up play has remained the real standout trait, sharing the lead in Group A in interceptions (11) and ranking second for tackles (12).

4. Diego Godin (Uruguay) - 7.61 rating

While much was made of Uruguay’s firepower in Russia this summer, it’s their defensive solidity that has undoubtedly been most impressive, marshalled by captain Godin. The Atletico man has led by example in that regard but also forced his side onto the front foot with incisive passing at times - at an 87.9% accuracy - and a willingness to break out from the back.

3. Denis Cheryshev (Russia) - 7.62 rating

Villarreal winger Cheryshev may not have started the opening game of the tournament but boy did he grasp his chance to impress with both hands when replacing the injured Alan Dzagoev early on. The 27-year-old scored two fantastic goals against Saudi Arabia and added a third in the victory over Egypt, before the group stage ended on a sour note with an unfortunate own goal in defeat to Uruguay.

2. Aleksandr Golovin (Russia) - 8.26 rating

Not risked for the final group game against Uruguay due to the possibility of a suspension had he been booked, it was eminently clear that Russia were disjointed in attack without Golovin. The 22-year-old was the star of the show in the tournament opener - registering two assists and a WhoScored.com match rating (9.80) still bettered by just one player at the World Cup at the time of writing - with a stunning free-kick enabling the youngster to open his account this summer.

1. Jose Gimenez (Uruguay) - 8.37 rating

Another player rested for the last match in the group, this time owing to a slight muscular problem, Gimenez did his reputation as one of the finest young defenders around no harm in his opening two appearances. The 23-year-old scored a crucial late winner against Egypt, completed 90.6% of his passes and made the joint most interceptions in Group A despite missing the match with Russia.