Russia swept past Saudi Arabia and their frail defence to make the perfect start to their World Cup 2018 campaign.
Yury Gazinsky took 12 minutes to score the opening goal of the World Cup and substitute Denis Cheryshev added a second as hosts Russia made a dream start to the tournament and led Saudi Arabia 2-0 at halftime at the Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday.
Gazinsky headed home a cross and Cheryshev showed fancy footwoork before putting the ball into the roof of the net in the 43rd minute. He had come on after Alan Dzagoev pulled up with a hamstring injury after 22 minutes of the Group A match.
ICYMI: Eagles miss World Cup opening ceremony
- Russia get off to perfect start in Group A with 5-0 win
- Yury Gazinsky’s 12th minute goal followed by wonderful strike by Denis Cheryshev before half time
- Substitute Arten Dzyuba heads home with first touch to make it three, before Cheryshev adds stunning fourth in stoppage time
- Golovin’ compounds Saudi Arabia’s misery with free-kick moments later to make it five
- Earlier, Robbie Williams – and a giant fire bird – feature in a 10-minute opening ceremony
