Russia could not have wished for a better start to their own FIFA World Cup™ following their resounding 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Iury Gazinsky scored the first goal of Russia 2018 with a firmly-placed header, before substitute Denis Cheryshev - who replaced the injured Alan Dzagoev - scored the second before the break. Artem Dzyuba's goal came mere moments after being introduced before Cheryshev's stunner and Aleksandr Golovin's free kick sealed the victory.

Russia - Saudi Arabia 5:0 (2:0)

Goals: Gazinskiy, 12 (1:0). Cheryshev, 43 (2:0). Dzyuba, 71 (3:0). Cheryshev, 90+1 (4:0). Golovin, 90+4 (5:0).

Russia: Akinfeev (C), Mario Fernandes, Kutepov, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Gazinskiy, Zobnin, Samedov (Kuzyaev, 64), Golovin, Dzagoev (Cheryshev, 24), Smolov (Dzyuba, 70).

Saudi Arabia: Al-Mayouf, Hawsawi (C), Othman, Al-Burayk, Al Faraj, Al-Shehri (Bahebri, 72), Al-Sahlawi (Assiri, 85), Al-Shahrani, Otayf (Al-Muwallad, 64), Al-Jassim, Al-Dawsari.

Cautions: Golovin, 88. Al-Jassim, 90+2.

Referees: Nestor Pitana (Argentina), Emerson de Carvalho (Brazil), Juan Pablo Belatti (Argentina).

June 14th. Moscow. Stadium "Luzhniki". 78 011 spectators. 17 degrees.