Russia’s Yuri Gazinskiy drew the first blood in the opening match of the FIFA 2018 World Cup when he scored a wonderful goal against Saudi Arabia in the 12th minute.
What a time to score your first international goal! The home crowd did not have to wait for too long. And the ovation that greeted the goal shook the foundation of the stadium.
Russia have been in spectacular form since the kick off on the dot of 4pm and would have nipped the second goal five minutes after the first.
Fedor Smolov’s shot was deflected and loops into the air but Saudi keeper Abdullah Al-Mayoof lept highest to claw the ball away before any damage.