Russia opens FIFA World Cup with historic rout of Saudi

In its very first FIFA World Cup group stage game at home, Russia put on a show as stellar as the opening ceremonies. (Photo: FIFA World Cup/Facebook)

MANILA — In its very first FIFA World Cup group stage game at home, Russia put on a show as stellar as the opening ceremonies.

The Russian side pulled off a 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia at the start of the 2018 edition of football’s biggest stage at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow early Friday (Philippine Time).

Historic goals from Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba highlighted Russia’s offensive barrage against Saudi despite the latter taking care of the ball better.

Yury Gazinskiy scored the tournament’s first goal with a header in the 12th minute. It turned out to be his first goal for Russia ever.

But just before halftime, tournament history was made.

Cheryshev, who replaced Alan Dzagoev, drilled a 43rd minute goal from inside the box to become the first substitute to score in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup.

In the 71st minute, Dzyuba became the second sub to do so, scoring a header of his own.

Cheryshev added another goal in the first minute of stoppage time for his brace.

Aleksandr Golovin put the icing on the cake just before fulltime as he scored on a free kick from the right wing.

The final tally is the most lopsided result for an opening game in World Cup history and also the biggest blanking by a host nation in all of the tournament.

Both Russia and Saudi Arabia are aligned with Egypt and Uruguay in Group A. Egypt and Uruguay will collide later Friday.