The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked-off on Thursday 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. 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, impressive Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin converted their chances to secure a 5-0 win for Russia.

FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 – Group A

Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Goals

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

Line-ups

The teams for #RUSKSA are in… 👀#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/rjPSQQWUQ5

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) 14. Juni 2018

Match Officials

Referee
Nestor Pitana (ARG)

The moment of the day! ☄ 🇷🇺 @teamrussia 5-0 🇸🇦 @ksa.1.nft . The hosts kicked off the #WorldCup in style! #RUSKSA #SaudiaArabia @cheryshev90 ⚽ #Cheryshev

Ein Beitrag geteilt von FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup) am Jun 14, 2018 um 1:51 PDT