Russian winger Denis Cheryshev has got this summer’s World Cup hosts off to a dream start with a neat goal to make it 2-0 in their opening game against Saudi Arabia.

The Villarreal star took advantage of some shockingly poor Saudi defending, but still kept his cool to finish with aplomb after weaving his way through.

MORE: Video: Russia go 1-0 up through controversial Yuri Gazinsky goal vs Saudi Arabia

Russia will not be among the favourites for this year’s competition but the excitement among their fans will be at fever pitch level now after this fine start.

This second goal came just before half time as Russia look sure to kick things off with a win this afternoon… </s> MOSCOW (AP) — Inspired by the home crowd in the opening match of the World Cup, Russia ended a 16-year wait for victory.

Substitute Denis Cheryshev scored two goals Thursday to lead the host nation over Saudi Arabia 5-0 in Group A with President Vladimir Putin watching from the stands alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

It was Russia's first World Cup win since 2002 and ended a seven-game winless run overall — the national team's longest winless streak in 20 years.

Yuri Gazinsky initially put Russia ahead with a header from Alexander Golovin's cross when the Saudis failed to clear a corner in the 12th minute. Gazinsky charged forward to meet the ball as Saudi player Taisir Al-Jassam stumbled, leaving him a simple finish.

Putin and Infantino smiled and shrugged as they sat next to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the VIP box. Putin then reached over to shake the prince's hand.

Cheryshev chipped the ball over two Saudi defenders in the 43rd minute and shot over goalkeeper Abdullah Al Muaiouf's right side. He later chipped the ball in for Russia's fourth goal in stoppage time.

After Cheryshev's first goal, Artyom Dzyuba made an instant impact off the bench to make it 3-0 in the 71st with a header from Golovin's cross. Golovin added the fifth from a free kick.

Following a lavish opening ceremony featuring British singer Robbie Williams, Putin welcomed visiting fans and promised Russia would be a "hospitable and friendly" host.

In a World Cup first, the video assistant referee system was available for the match between the tournament's lowest-ranked teams, though it wasn't used.

The Saudis, who last won a match at the World Cup in 1994, failed to get a single shot on target.

The win for Russia is a big boost to its hopes of advancing, but it will still face a tough test against Egypt on June 19 and Uruguay six days later.

But with the five goals against the Saudis, a draw could be enough against either of its two remaining opponents.

Saudi Arabia's route to the knockout round is much more difficult. The Saudis will face Uruguay on June 20 and then Egypt on June 25. Egypt and Uruguay play Friday in Yekaterinburg.

Russia's players were significantly taller and heavier than the Saudis, a help when challenging for the ball and when the penalty area was crowded.

That had an effect on Gazinsky's goal, which came after the Saudis struggled to clear a Russian corner, and the header from the tall and stocky Dzyuba.

One concern for Russia, however, is that creative midfielder Alan Dzagoev appears to have injured a hamstring in the first half.

Saudi Arabia sent some players to the Spanish league for experience this season but they didn't get much playing time while there.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. </s> Vladimir Putin craves sporting glory, and he got another taste of it in the opening match of the World Cup.

Russia ended a 16-year wait for victory in the tournament by routing Saudi Arabia 5-0 Thursday in Group A, with the Russian president watching from the VIP box alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the Saudi crown prince.

It was the host nation's first World Cup win since 2002, and it raises the hope that Russia can get past the group stage for the first time since the Soviet era.

Yuri Gazinsky initially put Russia ahead with a header from Alexander Golovin's cross when the Saudis failed to clear a corner in the 12th minute. Gazinsky charged forward to meet the ball as Saudi player Taisir Al-Jassam stumbled, leaving a simple finish.

Putin and Infantino smiled and shrugged as they sat next to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Putin then reached over to shake the prince's hand.

Substitute Denis Cheryshev soon scored the first of his two goals. He chipped the ball over two Saudi defenders in the 43rd minute and shot over goalkeeper Abdullah Al Muaiouf's right side to make it 2-0. He later chipped the ball in for Russia's fourth goal in stoppage time.

"I have never done anything like this," Cheryshev said. "I already felt very happy when I knew I could come here with my squad, but I never, ever dreamed of something like this."

After Cheryshev's first goal, Artyom Dzyuba made an instant impact off the bench to make it 3-0 in the 71st with a header from Golovin's cross. Golovin added the fifth from a free kick.

Following a lavish opening ceremony featuring British singer Robbie Williams, Putin welcomed visiting fans and promised Russia would be a "hospitable and friendly" host.

Putin has made no secret about his desire for success in international sports, especially at the Olympics. But high points for Russian athletes have been rare since the country's image was tarnished by doping, with numerous Olympic medals stripped for drug use.

In a World Cup first, the video assistant referee system was available for the match between the tournament's lowest-ranked teams, though it wasn't used for an official review.

The Saudis, who last won a match at the World Cup in 1994, failed to get a single shot on target.

The win for Russia is a big boost to its hopes of advancing, but it will still face a tough test against Egypt on June 19 and Uruguay six days later.

With the five goals against the Saudis, a draw could be enough against either of its two remaining opponents.

Saudi Arabia's route to the knockout round is much more difficult. The Saudis will face Uruguay on June 20 and then Egypt on June 25. Egypt and Uruguay play Friday in Yekaterinburg.

Russia's players were significantly taller and heavier than the Saudis, a help when challenging for the ball and when the penalty area was crowded.

That had an effect on Gazinsky's goal, which came after the Saudis struggled to clear a Russian corner, and the header from the tall and stocky Dzyuba.

One concern for Russia is that creative midfielder Alan Dzagoev picked up a suspected hamstring injury, but that was what allowed Cheryshev to come off the bench and change the game.

Russia's bench players had their day of glory.

Dzyuba had played only once for Russia since 2016, while Cheryshev and Gazinsky made two appearances in that time.

Raised in Spain, where his father Dmitry taught at Real Madrid's youth academy, Cheryshev showed his technical skills by beating the two Saudi defenders before his first goal.

Dzyuba spent half the season on loan after reported disputes with Zenit St. Petersburg management, but forced his way back into the Russia team with strong play.

Saudi coach Juan Antonio Pizzi: "We were not doing what we wanted to do. The opposing team did not have to make a huge effort to win."

Golovin: "For us, each game is like the last."

It was Russia's third win from 10 World Cup matches since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Cheryshev hadn't scored for Russia in his 11 previous appearances. Saudi Arabia has now lost a game by four or more goals at each of its last four World Cup visits, including an 8-0 rout at the hands of Germany in 2002. </s> Russia are hoping to be the 22nd hosts to avoid a defeat in their opening World Cup game when they face Saudi Arabia. (The 2002 World Cup saw Korea and Japan, emerge as the first co-hosts of a single tournament, making the host nations 21 in 20 editions). No hosts have ever lost their opening World Cup game.

Russia and Saudi Arabia have faced off once. The Asians won the bragging rights when they defeated, the hosts of the 2018 World Cup 4-2 in an international friendly in October 1993.

Russia qualified as hosts, which, considering their travails on the pitch was probably the only they were making this edition of the tournament and Saudi Arabia on the other hand booked a place in Russia after placing second in group B of the Asia qualifiers.

Russia played under the name USSR from 1930 to 1990, during the period they qualified for eight FIFA World Cups and placed fourth in the 1966 tournament which is their best finish in the Mundial’s history. Russia have participated in three World Cups, since USSR collapsed in 1990, making it a total of 11 appearances.

They last played in the World Cup in 2002

While Saudi Arabia have participated in the Mundial on four occasions. Their best finish came in 1994 when they reached the round of 16 in their maiden World Cup appearance.

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The Asians made their last appearance in 2006.

Hosts Russia are 70th, whereas Saudi Arabia are 67th in the latest FIFA ranking.

Russia are winless in their last five games at the World Cup (D2, L3). Their only two victories at the World Cup as an independent nation were against African teams (6-1 versus Cameroon in 1994 and 2-0 against Tunisia in 2002).

While, Saudi Arabia are winless in their last 10 games at the World Cup, losing eight of them, since beating Belgium 1-0 in 1994.

Mohammed Al-Sahlawi is the talisman of the Saudi Arabia team, scoring 16 goals in qualifying - the joint-most of any player, although eight of those came in two games against Timor-Leste.

Whereas, Fedor Smolov who briefly turned out for Feyenoord in 2011, has been prolific since moving to the Krasnodar Stadium in 2015, where he has hit 52 goals in 73 league games.

He has amassed 12 goals in 31 appearances for the national team is the player the Russian will be looking up to. </s> Russia has started the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a bang.

The host nation of this year’s tournament trounced Saudi Arabia 5-0 on Thursday in Moscow to rocket to the top of Group A. Denis Cheryshev scored two goals, and Iury Gazinsky, Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Golovin each added on, as Russia kicked off its World Cup adventure better than home fans could have imagined.

The world waited just 12 minutes for the first goal of Russia 2018. Gazinsky did the honors, heading home Golovin’s perfect cross.

Russia playmaker Alan Dzagoev limped off in the 24th minute with an apparent hamstring injury, but his substitute, Cheryshev, alleviated fears of a larger setback by delivering a show-stopping performance.

Cheryshev’s gave Russia a 2-0 lead in the 43rd minute on his first goal, during which he beat three defenders.

Dzyuba entered the game in the 70th minute and etched his name into World Cup history less than two minutes later.

Saudi Arabia already had submitted to Russia when Cheryshev and Golovin added the exclamation points to the scoreline and highlight reals.

History will remember Cheryshev’s 93rd minute strike as the first great goal of World Cup 2018.

Golovin’s free kick one minute later wasn’t half-bad either.

The World Cup hasn’t produced such a lopsided opening game in 84 years.

Next up

 Russia will play Egypt on Tuesday, and Saudi Arabia will face Uruguay on Wednesday in their respective second games in Group A. </s> Politics and football are allied on certain aspects in every corner of the world, even when it is the biggest spectacle of the concerned sport. Ever since Russia were awarded the rights to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, there have been consternation about potential discrimination to players and visiting fans, the country's human rights situation and Vladimir Putin's worsening diplomatic relations with much of the western world, especially because of the Russian President's approach of soft power grab in Europe through the FIFA World Cup.

Russia, for all its military firepower and intelligence assets, has been rendered slightly inconsequential since the collapse of the Soviet Union, more so in light of the economic sanctions put in place against them, making the 2018 FIFA World Cup a significant cultural conduit for Putin, but all the background noise faded away as football took centre stage at the refurbished Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow as early as the twelfth minute through Yuri Gazinsky's opening goal.

Gazinsky was barely two-years-old when the disintegration of the USSR in 1991 changed the political landscape of his country, and on Thursday, the midfielder's first international goal in his first appearance in over fifteen months paved the way for a 5-0 rout of Saudi Arabia to mark the commencement of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Russia headed into the World Cup as the lowest ranked team in the FIFA, a mantle Saudi Arabia are likely to seize come end of the tournament, but the injury-depleted hosts were buoyed by the occasion to put in a flawless display. Stanislav Cherchesov abandoned his three-man defence and opted for a traditional 4-2-3-1 while Saudi Arabia lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

The match was evenly contested for most of the first half as both teams adopted a cautious approach to build-up play. As the minutes ticked by and the hosts settled into a comfortable rhythm, it became progressively difficult for Juan Antonio Pizzi's Saudi Arabia to assert themselves in spite of their superlative ball possession. Russia chose to drive straight at the Asian country's backline every time they had the ball, the Green Falcons failing to come up with a solution for the Russian midfielders' late, incisive passes to an overlapping runner between the channels.

Russia's first goal came off a corner earned through such a ploy - although Saudi Arabia cleared the initial corner, Aleksandr Golovin combined with veteran Yuri Zhirkov on the left flank to loop in a cross into the penalty area which was slotted in by Gazinsky. Minutes later, Russia's attacking midfielder-in-chief Alan Dzagoev would limp off with a hamstring injury, but substitute Denis Cherysev put in an inspired performance, one which prompted Russian supporters to wonder why the Real Madrid academy graduate wasn't handed a start.

Cheryshev's brace was symbolic of the gulf in class between the two nations. If his first goal was a consequence of his technical abilities shining through, side-lining an inept Saudi defense with a quick piece of skill followed by an well-executed shot, his second of the night was a spectacular moment of individual brilliance as his shot with the outside of his left boot from the edge of the penalty area swirled over an outstretched Abdullah Al-Mayoof.

Equally crucial to Russia's display was another substitute Artem Dzyuba who scored the third of the night and teed up Cheryshev's stoppage-time stunner. The hosts are not the favourites in Group A by any means, but Cherchesov does have a few skilful players who can outsmart any opposition on their days. Aleksandr Golovin, arguably the Sbornaya's brightest talent, capped off his sterling night with an inch-perfect free-kick to complete Saudi Arabia's pummelling.

If excellent finishing from the Russians were to blame for the Falcons' misery, Saudi Arabia certainly did not help themselves as they repeatedly gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled to deal with textbook situations in their defensive third. The collective shambles of the Saudi Arabia backline, in turn, coerced their attackers to attempt ambitious moves without much success, resulting in a disjointed shape and a pitiful display.

Sometimes direct football is the best modus operandi, especially for teams without earth-shattering talents in their ranks. Russia kept it simple and reaped the rewards, while Saudi Arabia committed schoolboy errors and paid the price.

Saudi Arabia must regroup quickly, while Russia should do away with any elation for the next two matches will be more difficult for both nations - both Egypt and Uruguay have far more accomplished players in their midst. While the Russian performance invited a call of appreciation for Cherchesov from President Putin, the looks of incredulity shared by Putin with Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia after every Russian golazo were a sight to behold, or as he worded it "the power of humanistic beginning" of the most "spectacular, vibrant, uncompromising game" on the planet. </s> The World Cup is here at last.

Host Russia opens the 2018 competition against Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Thursday, in a meeting between the two lowest-ranked teams in the field.

The draw did 70th-ranked Russia a favor, putting 67th-ranked Saudi Arabia is the first opponent in a group that also features Uruguay and Egypt. Given the increasing difficulty in each match for the Russians, they'll be looking to open with a three-point haul as they look to avoid joining South Africa (2010) as the only host nation to not escape the group stage.

Saudi Arabia will be looking for an equally positive start as well, with ex-Chile manager Juan Antonio Pizzi, who took charge days before the World Cup draw, leading the Asian nation into a difficult circumstance–being the hosts's first opponent.

Stay tuned here for live updates and highlights of goals and key plays from throughout the match (refresh for most recent updates):

Here are the lineups for both sides:

Here are the rosters for both nations: </s> Some are calling it El Gasico.

Russia and Saudi Arabia meet in the first match of the 2018 World Cup on Thursday, kicking off a month of high-level international football. Odds forecast a win for Russia, but the lack of quality on both teams presents a certain air of unpredictability for a match that is historically always won by the hosts.

Russia might start a 38-year old at center back. They had a pair of defenders retire, and had another pair go down with knee injuries before the tournament. Their best offensive player, Aleksandr Kokorin, is also out with a knee injury. They will instead rely on Fyodor Smolov to provide the spark up top, and rely on a handful of high-motor midfielders to keep themselves alive.

Injuries aside, Russia just hasn’t been very good in international play. They haven’t won a match since October, a 4-2 win over South Korea that was aided by a pair of own goals.

The only sure thing in the lineup will be Igor Akinfeev. The captain, who has spent his entire club career at CSKA Moscow, will be in charge of organizing an inexperienced back line on the fly.

Russia has been playing with three center backs since Stanislav Cherchesov, but it’s unknown who will start in the opener. ESPN predicts a 5-3-2 for Russia, with Smolov alone up top.

For Saudi Arabia, it’s a matter of chemistry and match fitness. Manager Juan Antonio Pizzi was only hired in November, after failing to reach the World Cup with Chile. 20 of 23 players are from the Saudi Premier League, and most are from the top two teams in the league. That means a ton of untested talent, with most of the roster seeing their first-ever World Cup.

And then there’s the transfers. In an effort to get their players some high-level experience, Saudi officials struck a deal with La Liga to send a handful of players to Spain on loan. The plan backfired, as the players stayed on the bench and are now lacking proper fitness heading into the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia will try to use their offensive playmakers to frustrate the inexperienced Russian defenders. Yahya Al Shehri is the playmaker, and he’ll look to feed balls into Mohamed al-Sahlawi, who led all players globally with 17 goals in qualifying. With that in mind, expect to see something like a 4-2-3-1 from Saudi Arabia. </s> Russia launched the World Cup in emphatic style when they outclassed a feeble Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the tournament's opening match to end a nine-month winless run and give the host nation's team and fans the lift they desperately needed.

Photo: AFP

Substitute Denis Cheryshev scored twice - the first after a piece of skill that would have graced a Lionel Messi highlights reel - and the second a superb shot in stoppage time.

Yury Gazinsky had headed the World Cup's first goal after 12 minutes, Artem Dzyuba got the third a minute after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute and Aleksandr Golovin completed a memorable day by smashing in free kick with the last action of the game.

The result equalled the best-ever in a World Cup opening game - Brazil beat Mexico 5-0 in Geneva in 1954 - as Russia took full advantage of a Saudi team who's defending fell painfully short of World Cup standard, while their attack was non-existent.

Russia's fans will not care about that after enduring a wretched run of seven games without a win but they will be aware that the Asian qualifiers look desperately ill-equipped to trouble Egypt or group favourites Uruguay, who meet tomorrow, and that there is still much to be done for the hosts to secure progress to the knockout stage.

Russia looked lively from the start as they poured into the vast spaces on both flanks and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring after 12 minutes as Gazinsky was totally unmarked to nod home Golovin's deep left-wing cross.

The home crowd, starved of any meaningful action for the last two years, were loving it as the red shirts poured forward with only some desperate defending preventing star striker Fyodor Smolov from adding a second.

Alan Dzagoev had been at the heart of things but had to go off after pulling a hamstring in the 23rd minute. It proved something of a fortuitous situation - if not for him - as his replacement Cheryshev doubled the lead with a mesmerizing touch of skill.

Collecting a pass from Roman Zobnin on the left of the box he showed great composure to nonchalantly flick the ball inches above two prone defenders desperately sliding in, before lashing into the roof of the net.

Russia made it 3-0 in the 71st minute when Golovin chipped in a cross for giant striker Dzyuba to rise unchallenged to head in from close range.

The crowd were then treated to a fabulous finale as Cheryshev cleverly steered home the fourth with the outside of his foot before Golovin capped a great personal performance by curling his free kick beyond the wall to get the month-long Moscow party well and truly started.

- Reuters </s> Saudi Arabia conceded two goals in the first half against Russia after poor defending gifted them a second just before half time. The goalscorers were Yuri Gazinsky and Denis Cheryshev.

Saudi Arabia used to qualify for World Cups as a matter of course, but failure to make 2010 and 2014 had fans desperate to reach the 2018 World Cup. Led by Bert Van Marwijk, they did. Just. There was some luck along the way, but a last-day victory over an already qualified Japan did the trick and put the Green Falcons above Australia on goal difference. Yet qualification was followed by chaos, as Van Marwijk was replaced by Edgardo Bauza – who then left himself. Currently, former Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has taken up the head coaching role.

Sep 2016

 The opening game against Thailand in Riyadh was proving to be a frustrating experience until the softest of penalties six minutes from the end allowed Nawaf Al Abed to secure the points. Five days later, the midfielder scores twice more from the spot to give the Saudis a come-from behind win against Iraq.

 Oct 2016

 With 11 minutes remaining, Van Marwijk’s men are trailing at home to Australia. Then Nasser Al Shamrani strikes to earn what will turn out to be a vital point won.

 Nov 2016

 A 2-1 defeat in Japan prevents Saudi Arabia from breaking free at the top of the group.

 Sep 2017

 Needing to beat Japan at home in the final game to qualify, winger Fahad Al Muwallad makes the second-half difference and the 1-0 victory is celebrated wildly. But days later Van Marwijk announces he is leaving, with Edgardo Bauza replacing him.

 Nov 2017

 After just five games in charge, Argentinian Bauza was sacked as Saudi coach.

In Group A, Saudi Arabia are in a group containing the hosts Russia, Uruguay, and Egypt, lead by Mohamed Salah.

Saudi Arabia recently played two friendlies as preparation for the World Cup, a 3-0 victory against Moldova, and then a 4-1 loss to Iraq at the end of February. They then drew against Ukraine, but got hammered by Belgium four days later. Two wins against Algeria and Greece followed, and then two losses to Italy and Peru nearly concluded their World Cup friendlies. Finally they lost to Mats Hummels and Germany on the 8th of June.

Saudi Arabia will play in the opening game of the tournament against the hosts Russia on the 14th of June. This will be followed by matches against Uruguay on the 20th and Egypt on the 25th.

Juan Antonio Pizzi, age 49 (07.06.1968)

 Even by Saudi standards, the recent coaching merry-go-round was shocking. Van Marwijk, who had been in place for two years and was building a solid team, left just days after the Russian deal was sealed. In came Bauza, who had taken over the United Arab Emirates just weeks previously. A month later, the Argentinian had also said his goodbyes. Juan Antonio Pizzi, who lead Chile to the Copa America Centenario in 2016, has come in to fill the void.

The Players

 Stars

 Nawaf Al Abed was cool and composed throughout the final stage, and he scores as well as creates. When given the opportunity, Fahad Al Muwallad is exciting.

 Stalwarts

 Osama Hawsawi has been in the centre of defence for a long time – although some feel for too long.

 Missing

 Nasser Al Shamrani was Asian Player of the Year in 2014 but he started just one game in qualifying.

 Debutants

 Van Marwijk gave a first call-up to right-back Mohammed Al Burayk and the 25-year-old performed well under pressure.

We will update you with any injuries to Saudi Arabian players regularly.

What effect will the change of coaches have?

 Losing the experienced Bert Van Marwijk, who took his homeland to the 2010 Final, was huge. Not only did he know the players, they knew him and his system. Edgardo Bauza barely had time to get to know the squad, but friendly performances against Portugal and Bulgaria ended with much criticism and his departure proves that there are few seats as hot as that of Saudi Arabia’s coach. Time will tell if Pizzi can be as effective in this role as he had been with Chile.

Is Osama Hawsawi up to the job?

 At 33, the centre-back and captain came into the team just after the 2006 World Cup but his ageing legs have been showing a little of late.

What about international exposure?

 All the Saudis play at home and this is a problem. There is talk of some being loaned to European clubs, but that won’t be easy to arrange.
Hosts Russia beat Saudi Arabia 5–0 in the opening match, with two goals by Denis Cheryshev.