WC: Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Yury Gazinsky celebrates his goal with team-mates

World Cup hosts Russia kicked off their Group A campaign in style with a 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

No host team has lost a World Cup opening match and Russia kept up that tradition with goals from Yury Gazinsky (12), Denis Cheryshev (43, 90+1), Artem Dzyuba (71) and Aleksandr Golovin (90+3).

It leaves Stanislav Cherchesov's men with confidence ahead of testing fixtures against Egypt and Uruguay as they aim to uphold the record of hosts at major international tournaments - 20 of 21 host teams have progressed from their group.

 

For Saudi Arabia, there was not much to cling to as they looked very lightweight and tactically naive - it could be a long few weeks for The Green Falcons, who did not register a shot on target.

After an opening ceremony with Robbie Williams, it was Russia that heeded his words and entertained the home crowd.

Golovin recycled a half-cleared corner on 12 minutes and curled a clever ball towards the back post. There were three Russians waiting against Yasser Al-Shahrani, and Gazinskiy had the simple task of heading home for his first international goal.

 

Alan Dzagoev then hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring injury - but his replacement took his opportunity with both hands. Cheryshev showed sublime awareness just before the break to flick the ball over his marker, who slid in recklessly, and rifled home into the net.

Saudi Arabia looked devoid of belief the longer the match went on and Roman Zobnin conjured up Russia's third goal.

 

Zobnin found space just outside the area and his delivery was headed home by another substitute Dzyuba, who had only been on the pitch 90 seconds.

Russia sensed the opportunity to boost their goal difference and scored two more in added time as the visitors wilted.

Cheryshev popped up with another moment of magic - this time with the outside of his left boot - while Golovin curled in a free-kick from 25 yards.