Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
Tournament hosts Russia recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in today’s World Cup opener in Moscow.
The Luzhniki Stadium exploded into raptures after only 12 minutes when Yury Gazinsky headed home for the opener.
Denis Cheryshev showed great skill to double the hosts' lead just before the break with a left-footed pile-driver, and Artem Dzyuba headed Russia's third in the 71st minute - 89 seconds after coming on as a substitute.
Cheryshev and Golovin hit a further two in injury time, the latter from a free kick, to complete the visitors' misery.
Egypt and Uruguay are due to play the second Group A match in Yekaterinburg tomorrow.
RUSSIA 5-0 SAUDI ARABIA - GAZINSKY (13), CHERYSHEV (43, 91), DZYUBA (72), GOLOVIN (94)
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
THAT’S ALL FOLKS
18:00: What a way to start the competition. Five goals for Russia against an abysmal Saudi Arabia in Moscow to get us up and running at the 2018 World Cup.
Join me again tomorrow for LIVE coverage of Egypt vs Uruguay, Morocco vs Iran and Portugal vs Spain. Should be a terrific triple-header.
RUSSIA 5-0 SAUDI ARABIA
FT: Russia have recorded the second biggest victory by a host nation in their opening match in World Cup history, after Italy vs USA in 1934 (7-1). Not a bad.
RUSSIA 5-0 SAUDI ARABIA - GOLOVIN
94: What. A. Peach. Russia are in dreamland as Aleksandr Golovin scores a sublime free-kick deep into stoppage time.
He pings the set-piece from 25-yards beyond the wrong-footed Saudi Arabia goalkeeper to give Russia a 5-0 lead.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
RUSSIA 4-0 SAUDI ARABIA - CHERYSHEV
91: Magnificent! Denis Cheryshev has scored another belter.
The substitutes combine as Artem Dzyuba nods a long ball forward down to the Villarreal star, who effortlessly curls one with the outside of his boot.
89: The first yellow card of the 2018 World Cup goes to… Aleksandr Golovin. Congratulations.
RUSSIA 3-0 SAUDI ARABIA
88: Gazinsky nearly boots the ball into his own net when trying to hook clear. That would have been certain to feature in ‘football fails 2018’ if Akinfeev hadn’t pushed it away.
85: Quite funny to see Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov celebrate their third goal with a good old fashioned Tim Henman fist pump. He was motionless for the first two.
82: Salman Al Faraj cuts out Daler Kuzyaev's cross with Denis Cheryshev lurking behind him.
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Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
80: I imagine a few clubs will have watched Aleksandr Golovin’s performance with great interest. The midfielder, who netted a cracking free-kick against Arsenal in the Europa League, is supposedly worth £22million. Might have to double that after his two assists today.
77: 78,011 here for today’s clash. Luzhniki capacity is 81,000.
75: Artem Dzyuba scored just 89 seconds after coming off the bench, the quickest sub goal at a World Cup tournament since Marcin Zewlakow for Poland vs USA in 2002 (64 seconds). There’s some decent pub ammunition for you.
RUSSIA 3-0 SAUDI ARABIA - DZYUBA
72: Did I say to prepare for a few aerial balls? Someone should have told Saudi Arabia...
Artem Dzyuba makes an instant impact with a well taken header from Aleksandr Golovin’s tremendous cross from the right flank.
Game, set and match.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
71: Another change for the hosts as the giant Artem Dzyuba replaces Fyodor Smolov. Prepare for a few aerial balls folks.
69: So when will the first ‘breakout’ star arrive on the scene? Usually there’s a player who bags himself a high-profile move on the back of a couple of decent performances. I seem to remember DeAndre Yedlin joining Spurs after the 2014 World Cup.
66: Denis Cheryshev fancies his chances with a header from an acute angle that is comfortably saved by Al-Muaiouf.
63: Otayf is replaced by Al Muwallad Al-Harbi. Russia also make a change with Samedov heading off with Kuzyaev coming on.
60: And we’ve reached the hour-mark here at the Luzhniki Stadium. Not a great deal to report I’m afraid. Don’t worry, we’ve got Spain, Portugal and Egypt all in action tomorrow.
57: Al Sahlawi hasn’t scored an international goal in over 12 months, and I can see why. A dangerous cross into the box arrives at his toes but he completely misses it.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
54:Aleksandr Samedov, the Russia star who I decided to put in my World Cup fantasy football team, grabs possession in midfield and skies one into orbit. Glad I selected him…
51:Russia continue to dominate with Saudi creating next to nothing going forward. Smolov nearly sneaks beyond the last man but toe-pokes miles wide.
48:Goal difference will be crucial if any of the nations are level on points after three games. A couple more and Russia will be in a strong position to qualify for the last 16.
RUSSIA 3-0 SAUDI ARABIA
45: And we’re back underway folks. My prediction of 2-2 is still on the cards, but Saudi Arabia will have to improve metric ton.
TWITTER ROUND-UP
Mohanty: Saudi Arabia look very jaded and tired on the field, it’s not that Russia were exceptional but they capitalised well.
Stache: It's safe to say the winner of Russia vs Saudi Arabia will be the third place team in this group. Both of these teams are terrible.
Reg: People are really complaining about the quality of this game. What did you expect it's Russia vs Saudi Arabia?!
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
RUSSIA 2-0 SAUDI ARABIA
HT: I think Vladimir Putin cracked a smile after the second goal went in. And why not? Russia, the host nation, are in cruise control against a fairly poor Saudi Arabia.
45: And for those asking, yes that is the goal of the tournament…
RUSSIA 2-0 SAUDI ARABIA - CHERYSHEV
43: Russia in ecstasy as substitute Denis Cheryshev doubles their lead with some unbelievable skill.
Saudi fail to clear their lines after several chances. The ball is played out to Cheryshev, who flicks it over two sliding defenders before rifling it into the top corner.
Terrible defending from the visitors, but you can’t knock that emphatic finish.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
40: I’m trying to be positive about the game but it’s been quite difficult over the past 10 minutes. Just aimless long balls forward and poor passing as we approach the break.
37: I see the Saudi Arabia manager, Juan Antonio Pizzi, is wearing a stylish green tie as he marauds up and down the touchline. Not a happy bunny right now.
34: Referee Pitana Nestor denies Russia a penalty when Golovin hits the deck inside the area. There wasn’t much in it, and VAR appears to agree.
31: OK, so I’ve deduced that if Saudi Arabia are going to score, winger Yasser Al-Shahrani will be involved. He’s been their one bright spark thus far.
28: Yuri Gazinskiy is the first player to score with the first shot on target at a World Cup tournament since Germany's Philipp Lahm in 2006. How’s that for a pointless statistic…
25: You hate to see a hamstring ping but that’s what has just happened to Russia striker Alan Dzagoev. His tournament might be finished as Villarreal’s Denis Cheryshev replaces him.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
24:Apparently assistant referees have been told to keep their flags down for tight offside calls in the World Cup, so VAR can make a decision. I reckon that’ll cause a few problems later in the tournament.
21:Close! Al-Shahrani leaves his marker for dead down the left flank before dropping a cross over to Al-Sahlawi, who nods wide under pressure.
18:This is a bit more like it from the visitors. They’ve managed to get their foot on the ball a little bit more with a few decent runs.
15: Nearly a second. It’s was a silky move from the Russians down the right flank but Al-Breik bravely blocked. He was clattered by Smolov, but looks alright to continue.
RUSSIA 1-0 SAUDI ARABIA - GAZINSKY
12: We have lift off at the 2018 World Cup, and it’s the hosts who have taken the lead!
It’s a fairly routine opener with Yury Gazinsky climbing above his marker (not legally I might add) to thump home Aleksandr Golovin’s cross from the left flank.
9: It’s quite funny to see everyone in the office trying to figure out which players they have in their Fantasy Football sides. “Is he number 19? No, wait… 17. Is that him?” can be heard at Express HQ.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
6: Al-Muaiouf, the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper, scampers off his line to clear a weak backpass and manages to nick it away from the onrushing Smolov.
Mexican wave six minutes into the first game. That’s unacceptable in my book.
3: I’m really looking forward to spelling out all these names for you folks.
It’s been a typically scrappy start with both sides trying to shake off the nerves. Russia win a corner in the opening three minutes but Omar Hawsawi nods clear from Zhirkov’s delivery.
1: And we’re off at the 2018 World Cup. Any predictions? I’m feeling confident about seeing a few goals, so I’ll go for a 2-2 draw.
Obviously I’ll delete this when I’m wrong at full-time.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
‘FOOTBALL IS TRULY LOVED HERE’
15:55: "We are sincerely happy to host the World Cup in our country," says Russian president Vladimir Putin. "Football is truly loved here. Russia is an open, hospitable and friendly country. Whatever traditions we hold, football brings us together in one single team and we are united by our affection for this spectacular and vibrant game.
"I wish all the teams success and an unforgettable experience to fans. Welcome to Russia."
PUTIN ARRIVES
15:51: Robbie Williams and Vladimir Putin in the same arena? The testosterone levels inside the Luzhniki Stadium are reaching intolerable levels.
I’ll provide you with some quotes when the translator, who sounds suspiciously like Bain from Batman, finishes.
G-NEV IN THE HOUSE!
14:48:It’s quite nice to see Gary Neville providing analysis on ITV’s coverage this afternoon. He’s alongside Slaven Bilic, Ian Wright and Lee Dixon.
Bilic doesn’t sound too positive about the hosts’ chances. Nor would I considering their 38-year-old centre-back, who retired from international football, starts.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: EPA)
CEREMONY OVER
14:45: OK, it’s safe to come out now. Robbie Williams has finished. He performed four songs but quite wisely chose NOT to include his controversial single 'Party Like a Russian.’
Russian harpist Alexander Boldachev joined Robbie and took centre-stage, with a large 'fire bird' entering the pitch carrying operatic performer Aida Garifullina.
She performed a duet of Williams' smash-hit 'Angels' with the Stoke-born singer, who also brought the ceremony to a close by singing 'Rock DJ'.
That’s enough about the music. Let’s get stuck into the action.
RAINBOW RUSSIANS
14:43: Now this is a good cause. Bookmakers Paddy Power are running a campaign called “From Russia To Equal Love.”
It basically means Paddy Power will be donating £10,000 to an LGBT+ charity for every time Russia score a goal.
I know what you’re thinking. “But Russia will hardly score.” Well that’s not a problem because their minimum donation will be £50,000. Top work!
World Cup supplies have arrived (Image: EXPRESSSPORT/DOMINOES)
ALL HAIL DOMINO’S PIZZA!
15:41: I would like to take this opportunity to virtually hug and kiss Domino’s Pizza for supplying some cracking food ahead of today’s World Cup opener.
If anything was going to make watching Robbie Williams perform at the opening ceremony more palatable, it’s pizza.
TWITTER ROUND-UP
Chelsea: Genuinely think me and Julie are more excited about Robbie Williams performing than the actual first game.
Jon: Mock him all you want, but 10 mins of Russia vs Saudi Arabia and we'll be begging for a Robbie Williams interlude.
Tom: Just here for Robbie Williams missing the goal from six yards out with an oversized football.
Not sure why I included that first tweet. Who the hell is Julie?
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
OPENING CEREMONY
15:40: Here comes Robbie. The singer struts out in a snazzy red suit that he borrowed from Gary Barlow but never returned.
“Let me entertain you,” is the opening number. Not overly appropriate when the team ranked 70th in the world collides with the 67th.
Just need Diana Ross to come now and my afternoon will be complete.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
RUSSIA vs SAUDI ARABIA
15:35: Hosts Russia have selected stylish striker Fyodor Smolov to lead their attack as they seek to get the World Cup off to a celebratory start with a victory.
The 28-year-old is considered key to Russia's chances of advancing past the group stage, but he has not scored for his country since the 3-1 loss to France in March.
Sergei Ignashevich, Russia's 38-year-old defender who recently came out of retirement, also starts as the hosts look to snap a run of seven matches without success, stretching back to last October.
Saudi Arabia keep faith with the majority of the team that lost by a single goal to Germany in their final warmup in Leverkusen, making three changes to last Friday's starting lineup.
Playmaker Yahya Al-Shehri is expected to be key to Saudi Arabia's hopes of being able to dictate the pace of the game.
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
15:30: As if watching Russia vs Saudi Arabia wasn’t bad enough, Robbie Williams will be performing at the opening ceremony in a few minutes.
If you would like to come back and join me again in 20 minutes once he’s finished, I’ll be alright with that.
RUSSIA vs SAUDI ARABIA
15:25: And here are your line-ups folks. Sorry it took so long, but you try writing out these names!
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
HAVE YOUR SAY
15:20: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch!
You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport.
DOBRO POZHALOVAT
15:15: For those not fluent or too lazy to Google it, dobro pozhalovat means welcome in Russian.
Don’t worry, I’ll be sprinkling in more of those extremely interesting facts throughout the 2018 World Cup.
Good reason to stay tuned, right?
Anyway, welcome to our LIVE coverage of the opening fixture of the tournament from the impressive Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
We’re kicking things off with the two weakest teams in the competition who boast no world stars, intrigue or chance of winning the trophy.
What a captivating introduction. Let’s have some teams, shall we?
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates (Image: REUTERS)
RUSSIA
Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov
Star player: Igor Akinfeev
World Cup best: First round 1994, 2002, 2014 (Soviet Union finished fourth in 1966)
What are their chances?
They appear slim and the Moscow Times has said the team is 'Destined for defeat' highlighting the feeling surrounding the national side. Russia qualified automatically as hosts but have not won a match at a major finals since Euro 2012 and, since the break-up of the Soviet Union, have not progressed from the World Cup group stage.
SAUDI ARABIA
Coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi
Star player: Fahad Al Muwallad
World Cup best: Second round 1994
What are their chances? Pizzi's side gave Germany a scare this month when they lost 2-1 to the defending champions and the manager has tasted international success having taken Chile to the Copa America title in 2016. Their squad is home-based, save for three players who spent time on the bench at LaLiga clubs last season, but could be a surprise package.