Rampant Russia pummel Saudi Arabia 5-0 in World Cup opener

Russia opened its 2018 World Cup campaign with a rampant performance against Saudi Arabia in Moscow.

Opening World Cup 2018 - Russia X Saudi Arabia. Gazinsky and Dzyuba of Russia celebrate their team's goal against Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Source: Ale Cabral / AGIF (via AP)

Russia launched the World Cup party in spectacular style when they thrashed a feeble Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday to give the host nation the lift they desperately needed after a nine-month winless run.

Substitute Denis Cheryshev scored two brilliant goals after Yury Gazinsky had headed the World Cup’s first after 12 minutes.

More in English  via SBS News.