5-0 against Saudi Arabia: Russia celebrates its opening win

Dream start for Russia, celebrations for Vladimir Putin: Contrary to the worst fears, the host opened the 21st World Cup with a 5-0 victory over a very weak Saudi Arabia. The fans in the huge empire were able to collectively breathe a sigh of relief on Thursday and celebrated their often harshly criticized team with chants: “Malatzi, Malatzi” – in German: “You splendid guys”.

Yuri Gasinsky (12th minute), Denis Tscheryshev (43rd/90th+1), Artyom Dzyuba (71st) and Alexander Golowin (90th+4) sealed the duel between the two in front of 78.011 spectators and millions of fans on the screens The World Cup participant, who was ranked lowest in the world rankings, achieved the much-hoped-for opening victory for Sbornaja.

Gasinski takes the lead Rossiya, Rossiya! The shouts of Russia from the expectant but also worried fans echoed loudly through the huge Luzhniki Stadium. The pressure on star striker Fyodor Smolow and his colleagues was literally palpable. Just no bankruptcy at the start. The first relief came quickly. The strong Alexander Golowin crossed to Gasinski. The blonde headed in to take the lead. In the presidential box, Putin shook hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with a broad grin. Russian offensive man Alexander Golowin (left) was the best man on the field. © APA/afp / MLADEN ANTONOV

The game ended bitterly for Alan Dsagojew after just 24 minutes. He had to break off a sprint; the grip on the back of his left thigh didn't bode well - perhaps the end of the World Cup for the Russians' sloppy genius? Dzagoyev left the field with tears in his eyes. Joker Cheryshev with a double pack Cherchesov brought not one of the Mirantchuk twins, but Cheryshev. What a stroke of luck. The Spanish legionnaire exposed the great weakness of the Saudi defense with a physical illusion. Two defenders slipped into space - Cheryshev thundered the ball into the goal for the first joker goal in a World Cup opening game. Chertchesov also acknowledged the second goal with surprising calm.

That changed at 3-0. When Dzyuba was able to head in almost unchallenged in the second half, the former Dresden goalkeeper was also emotional and clenched his fists. Previously, Sbornaja had switched to safety mode and waited for a counterattack. Saudi Arabia had no footballing means to avoid defeat. On the contrary: in stoppage time, Cheryshev followed up again with a fantastic shot and Golovin with a free kick.

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5-0 against Saudi Arabia: Russia celebrates its opening win

With a 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia, World Cup hosts Russia celebrated a perfect start - the highest ever.

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