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2018 FIFA World Cup – Group A: Russia rout Saudi Arabia 5-0 in opener!

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked-off on Thursday, June 14 evening with hosts Russia defeating Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Russia dominated the proceedings right from kick-off against a Saudi Arabian team, which had its difficulties to handle the pressure of having to play the tournaments opening match. Yuri Gazinsky took advantage of the Russian dominance and opened the score sheet with a header in the 12th minute.

The “Sbornaja” doubled their lead moments before the half-time whistle when Denis Cheryshev hammered the ball past the Saudi goalkeeper.

The home side continued with their match plan in the second half and took advantage of a helpless Saudi side. Substitute Artem Dzyuba, and late goals by an impressive Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin secured Russia a 5-0 win.

FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 – Group A

Russia 5-0 (2-0) Saudi Arabia

Goals: 1-0 Yuri Gazinsky (12′), 2-0,4-0 Denis Cheryshev (43′,90’+1), 3-0 Artem Dzyuba (71′), 5-0 Aleksandr Golovin (90’+4)

Russia: Akinfeev – Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Zobnin, Gazinsky, Golovin, Samedov (64′ Kuzyaev), Smolov (70′ Dzyuba), Dzagoev (24′ Cheryshev)
Subs: Lunev, Semenov, Kudryashov, Granat, Aleksey Miranchuk, Anton Miranchuk, Erokhin, Smolnikov, Gabulov

Saudi Arabia: Al-Muaiouf, Al-Breik, Osama Hawsawi, Omar Hawsawi, Al-Shahrani, Al-Jassam, Otayf (64′ Al-Muwallad), Al Dawsari, Al-Shehri (72′ Bahebri), Al-Faraj, Al-Sahlawi (85′ Assiri)
Subs: Al-Mosailem, Al-Harbi, Al Bulaihi, Al-Khaibri, Kanno, Al-Khaibari, Al-Moqahwi, Motaz Hawsawi, Al-Owais

Referee: Nestor Pitana (ARG)

Man of the Match: Denis Cheryshev (Russia)

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