Cherry-shev on top: Winger scores brace as Russia rout Saudi Arabia 5-0

Apart from a hamstring injury to midfielder Alan Dzagoev, Russia enjoys a comfortable evening in Moscow

Russia is a cold and unforgiving place, especially for those not used to it. The Saudi Arabian players got to know that first-hand as they were swept aside at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow with the Russians pumping in five goals. The high-scoring match certainly lived beyond its billing, which, despite being the inaugural match of the FIFA World Cup 2018, was between two low-placed teams.  

The 81,000-strong Luzhniki Stadium was lit up to welcome the tournament to Russia, and after half-hour long ceremony, followed by a speech by President Vladimir Putin, the ball was rolled and the match