By Valentine Amanze
Russia, the host country of FIFA 2018 World Cup, on Thursday, June 14, 2018, opened the event with a 5-0 trashing of Saudi Arabia in Moscow.
Russia took the lead in the 12th minute. Golovin with a curling cross and Gazinskiy was on hand to nod into the ball into the back of the net at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Russia doubled their lead at 44th minute with a brilliant team goal, playing the ball across the box to Cheryshev a quick change of direction put two Saudi defenders on the floor and the winger smashed the ball into the near corner. It was a lovely goal, which gave Russia the advantage heading into the break 2-0.
The second half continued with strong determination of the Saudis to reduce the goal tally with nice bail possession but were checked by the defensive wall of the host nation, Russia.
However, the Saudi team conceded additional three goals in the second half, ending the match 5-0 in favour of Russia, which did not win any of its seven friendly matches preparatory to the mundial.
