Host Russia trash Saudi Arabia to start their World Cup campaign in style

SUMMARY

Russia launched the World Cup party in spectacular style when they thrashed a feeble Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the tournament's opening match on Thursday to give the host nation the lift they desperately needed after a nine-month winless run. Substitute Denis Cheryshev scored two brilliant goals after Yury Gazinsky had headed the World Cup's first after 12 minutes. Artem Dzyuba was also on target a minute after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute and Aleksandr Golovin completed a memorable day by smashing in a free kick with the last action of the game.

By APJun 15, 2018 5:45:26 PM IST (Published)

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his speech prior to the match between Russia and Saudi Arabia which opens the 2018 soccer World Cup as FIFA President Gianni Infantino, left, applauds at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 14, 2018. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Russian President Vladimir Putin watch the match between Russia and Saudi Arabia which opens the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 14, 2018. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

A Saudi Arabia fan waits for the start of the group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia which opens the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

Russia's Denis Cheryshev dribbles past Saudi Arabia players to score his side's second goal during the 2018 soccer World Cup opening match at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Victor Caivano)

A Russian fans celebrates after his team won the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia during the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)