Saudi Arabia, the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament, looked hopelessly out of their depth as a superior Russia side repeatedly overwhelmed their defence at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Russian president Vladimir Putin, who was watching from the stands alongside Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad Bin-Salman, could barely contain his glee as the host nation romped to victory.
ICYMI: Russia trash Saudi Arabia 5-0 in #WorldCupRussia2018 opener
Saudi Football Federation (SFF) chief Adel Ezzat has today announced that members of the team will face “penalties” for their woeful performance in the opening game.
“We are very disappointed by the defeat,” Ezzat said, according to the Al-Youm Assabaa newspaper.
“This result is totally unsatisfactory because it does not reflect the true level of our preparedness.”
“Several players will face a penalty – goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf, striker Mohammad Al-Sahlawi and defender Omar Hawsawi,” he added.
The details of the punishment are yet to be revealed by the SFF.
