体坛英语新闻：Russia expect to advance to last 16 as group winners

SAMARA, Russia, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Hosts Russia will fight for the top spot of Group A when they meet last group opponents Uruguay, Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov said at a pre-match press conference here on Sunday.

Russia lead the group with six points from two matches while Uruguay stand in second with the same points.

"The game (against Uruguay) is to be totally different in its quality, level, skills," the Russia coach said.

Despite having no preference on whom they will play in the round of 16, Russia definitely desire another triumph to complete their group stage journey in front of tens of thousands of enthusiastic home fans.

"We are fighting for the first place, but we have never made calculations to choose our opponents in the last 16, and they (Group B teams) will play after us," Cherchesov said, pointing out that playing at home and the public's support is the greatest motivation for his team.

Russia and Uruguay, both having already secured a berth in the round of 16, will only compete for the top place of the group.