Russia plays Saudi Arabia in the first match of the FIFA World Cup today.
The FIFA World Cup has begun in Russia as the host nation takes on Saudi Arabia today. Some of the greatest names in world football – including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, will be running the show this June, and probably in July.
The kick-off was preceded by an opening ceremony where stars like Robbie Williams performed. Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, gave a welcome address to the crowd to commence the world cup.
“Russians love football and that is why we call it love at first sight. Ever since the first football match in 1897, we have been looking forward to the day we could host,” Putin said.
Putin’s address was followed by FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino acknowledging the crowd. Gianni Infantino welcomed the crowd, speaking in Russian, and also acknowledged the Saudi Arabian crowd in their language.
First goal –
Russia opened the scoring in the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup. Yuri Gazinski scored the goal with a header. Golovin delivered the corner from the left and Gazinski sweetly converted it with a sweet header towards the bottom corner of the goalpost.
Russia started the game strongly, but Saudi Arabia soon started to dominate the game in the middle. However, Russia’s counter-attack proved to be too hot to handle for the Asian side.
Saudi Arabia’s defender, who was tracking Gazinski slipped which gave the Russian ample space to score the header.
Russia are since dominating the progression of the match.
Watch the goal here.
