Summary
Russia have been clinical in the first half of their world cup opener against Saudi Arabia scoring with their two shots on target.
Yuri Gazinkly scored the first goal of the tournament in the 11th minute when he jumped high to head in Alexandr Golovin’s goal from the left wing before substitute Denis Cheryshev capped a dominating first half display from the hosts by rounding the goalkeeper to score the second one in the 43rd minute.
The away team has enjoyed more possession but have failed to capitalize on that though Mohammed Al Sahlawi came close to equalizing but his header was deflected inches wide for a corner in the 22nd minute.
Alan Drazagoev suffered what looks like a tournament ending hamstring injury was replaced in the 22nd minute by the aforementioned Cheryshev.
Moments
11′ Goal. Russia open the scoring. Yuri Gazinkly jumps high to meet Aleksandr Golovini’s cross from the left and head in the first goal of the world cup. What a time to score your first international goal.
43′ Goal. Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia. Denis Cheryshev escapes a few challenges to score the second one for the hosts.
