Russia 5 Saudi Arabia 0: Denis Cheryshev scores double in front of Vladimir Putin as hosts start in style

DENIS Cheryshev came off the bench to score a brace as hosts Russia thumped Saudi Arabia in front of an ecstatic crowd in Moscow as President Vladimir Putin basked in the glow.

Denis Cheryshev was the hero for Russia.

RUSSIA kicked off their World Cup in style, thumping Saudi Arabia 5-0 in front of an ecstatic crowd in Moscow as President Vladimir Putin basked in the glow.

Putin declared the tournament open at the 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, saying football “unites the entire world” before watching his team overwhelm their hapless Group A opponents.

In a performance beyond the wildest dreams of even the most ardent home fans, two goals from substitute Denis Cheryshev were the highlight as Russia ended a seven-match run without a win in style.

Iury Gazinsky got the party started early, heading Russia in front in the 12th minute before Cheryshev rifled home a second shortly before halftime.

Another substitute, Artem Dzyuba, made it 3-0 with about 20 minutes remaining before a delicious late goal from Cheryshev with the outside of his left boot and a fifth from Aleksandr Golovin sealed the rout.

Match reports

Russia basks in glory after incredible start

GOOD/BAD/UGLY:

It couldn’t have got much better for Russia and their fans.

The good: Where do you begin? Russia’s 5-0 demolition is the second biggest victory by a host nation in their opening match in World Cup history, after Italy vs USA in 1934 (7-1). It was the first time the Russians have scored three or more goals since 1994. Golovin ran riot for the hosts in Moscow with a goal, two assists and five chances created. Talk about impact.

The bad: The only blight on a magnificent opening night for the hosts was an injury to key midfielder Alan Dzagoev. The joint-top scorer from Euro 2012 hobbled off in the first half clutching his thigh and the Russian FA have since said that MRI scans will determine if his tournament is over.

There’s nowhere to hide for Yasser Al-Shahrani after such a heavy defeat.

The ugly: The Saudis are on a woeful run of form, and those who’ve drawn them in World Cup sweeps can take solace in the fact they are looking good to be the worst team in Russia. That’s eight losses in a row now are were convincingly outplayed by a Russian team who are far from world beaters. It doesn’t get any easier for the poor Saudis and one can only wonder the feasting Luis Suarez and Mo Salah will do in their defence in the remaining Group A fixtures.

GOAL OF THE DAY:

Take a bow, Denis Cheryshev! Outside of the foot and into the far corner. It doesn’t get much better than that. Special mention to Aleksandr Golovin for his curling free-kick at the death, but Cheryshev’s effort just shades it.

VIDEO OF THE DAY:

WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA IS TALKING ABOUT:

At the risk of this journalist being detained in Russia, we have to admit we had a bit of a chuckle at this...

The World Cup is off to a super start with Russian president Vladimir Putin sporting a fluffy bra. pic.twitter.com/YeVTrKbTfh

— Martin Williams (@Martin1Williams) 14 June 2018

Sticking with Vlad, who graced the World Cup with a grandiose speech before kick-off, but had strong competition in the villain stakes at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

😏 One's an evil leader that rules with an iron fist, the other's Vladimir Putin...#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/nKQUXF6Mtf

— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) 14 June 2018

The King of Saudi Arabia. FIFA President Gianni Infantinno and Vladimir Putin. We’ll let you caption this one.

Picture of the century. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/IwkpYrC9uV

— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) 14 June 2018

England legend Gary Lineker, no stranger to World Cup heroics, is, like a lot of us here, wondering whether the actual World Cup has started yet.

Mental: pic.twitter.com/HLjOCWBOSz

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) 14 June 2018

Stanislav Cherchesov warns Russia not to get too ahead of itself.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

“It is just the beginning, not the end.” Russian coach Stanislav Cherchesov downplays expectations after the 5-0 thumping of Saudi Arabia.

“I am how I am. Anyone who doubts me should look at my CV. I would like to finish with a smile because it seems as if we are in a funeral parlour and yet tomorrow we begin our World Cup.” Sergio Ramos after a Spain press conference dominated by talk of sacked coach Julen Lopetegui ended with a question about his clash with Mohamed Salah in the Champions League final.

“We are here to fight with the favourites. We expect the football gods to take our side.” Iran coach Carlos Queiroz hopes for the best against Morocco.

“Everybody knows what Harry Kane is all about, he’s a goalscorer, a great professional. But if you look all around our team we’ve got winners. We’ve got goals all over the pitch, it’s not just Harry.” Kieran Trippier says England are a potent force.

“It helps, because then we don’t feel alone.” Burly Germany defender Jerome Boateng shows his sensitive side when one of the match mascots asked if it helped the players to walk on with them.

“It stops you feeling nervous, so better give him two.” Germany teammate Toni Kroos teases Boateng about the mascots.