Russia out class Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener

The hosts Russia have kicked off their FIFA World campaign in a staggering style, as they thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opener of the tournament.  

Russia got the ball rolling against Saudi Arabia at the completely refurbished 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow after an opening ceremony attended by President Vladimir Putin.

After President Vladimir Putin declared the tournament open at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, Iury Gazinsky scored the first goal of the tournament with a 12th minute header from Aleksandr Golovin's cross.

Russia suffered a blow when Alan Dzagoev had to leave the field with what appeared to be a pulled hamstring.

Russia’s second, third and fourth goals were all by substitutes: one by Artem Dzyuba and two by Denis Cheryshev. With time running out, Aleksandr Golovin got a fifth goal on a free kick, past a badly tired Saudi defense.

Saudi Arabian side whose players are virtually all based in their obscure home league, offered an air of mystery. But that was before the game. It became clear very quickly that they were no match for a Russian team that itself has not been a world beater in recent years.

Gazinsky’s header foiled the Saudi plan to work the counterattack, and the team seldom got the ball even deep into Russia’s territory after that. Russia itself took over the counterattacking and found the goal at its mercy time and time again.

Even at halftime, the Saudis were looked under great burden of goals and it did not get better. Dzyuba scored on another header, likewise just after entering the game, then Cheryshev added his second in the 90th minute.

If that late goal seemed unfair to the Saudis, it got worse a moment later when Goliovin added No. 5 on a free kick in injury time.

It was the perfect start for the host nation, although its remaining group games, against Egypt and Uruguay, will be much sterner challenges.