mobile app bar

Twitter reacts as Russia defeat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in World Cup opener

Rishabh Gupta
Published

Russia registered the biggest opening day victory in a world cup as they beat Saudi Arabia 5-0.

Russia made a strong start to the world cup after a relatively poor run of form, as they comprehensively defeated Saudi Arabia in the first game of the world cup. The host nation defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0.

Russia made a strong start to the game and were rewarded soon with a towering header from Yuri Gazinski from a corner, which game them a 1-0 lead. Towards the end of half time, former Real Madrid man Denis Cheryshev took out two defenders with cheeky bits of skill, before finally putting the ball past goalkeeper to double the lead.

Saudi Arabia continued to dominate possession in the second half, but could do little in the final third. In the 72nd minute, Russian substitute Artem Dyzuba scored with his first touch of the game to give Russia a 3-0 lead in the game.

The ball came curling in from the right flank and Dyzuba timed his jump perfectly, heading the ball into the bottom-right corner. Saudi Arabia were toothless up front and continued to lose the ball at key moments. It was evident that a loss possession led to Denis Cheryshev getting his second goal of the evening in the 90th minute of the game. He sweetly timed his run and shot the ball into the top corner from his left foot.

Things ended on a worst note for Saudi Arabia as Golovin converted a stunning free-kick to give Russia a 5-0 victory. Referee ended a miserable night for Saudi Arabia a few seconds later.

Russia now leads the Group A with a staggering goal difference of 5, and with three points. They now face Egypt on June 19. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will play South American giants Uruguay.

Here are some of the tweets from the game:

About the author

Rishabh Gupta

Rishabh Gupta

A sports enthusiast. Sports, I believe, is one of the few powers which help us grow, both as an individual and society. With each day, in the rich world of sports, I grow.

Read more from Rishabh Gupta

Share this article