Baku. 20 May. REPORT.AZ/ President of the United States Donald Trump has arrived on his first official visit to Saudi Arabia. Report informs citing the Al-Arabiyain Riyadh, Trump is scheduled to meet with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Issues of strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, in particular, in the economic and military-technical spheres will be discussed. A number of bilateral agreements are expected to be signed.

After Saudi Arabia, Trump will visit Israel and the Vatican and then take part in the NATO summit in Brussels and the G-7 leaders' meeting in Sicily.</s>MOSCOW (Reuters) - 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.

Artem Dzyuba was also on target a minute after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute and Aleksandr Golovin completed a memorable day by smashing in a free kick with the last action of the game.

The result equalled the best in a World Cup opening game - Brazil beat Mexico 5-0 in Geneva in 1954 - and watching Russian President Vladimir Putin wasted no time in phoning coach Stanislav Cherchesov to congratulate him.

“We are not getting ahead of ourselves. We saw that we are on the right track but we should forget this game and concentrate on the next one,” Cherchesov said after ending a seven-game winless run in emphatic style.

Constantly criticised in the ragged build-up games, Cherchesov had promised improvement once the phoney war was over and his energetic players duly delivered.

“We were tighter, more disciplined, more mature,” he said.

“To be good is one thing, to be good at the right time in the right place is another.”

It also helps if you are facing a team who have now lost eight and drawn two of their last 10 World Cup matches, whose defending fell painfully short of World Cup standard and whose attack was non-existent.

Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi does not speak any Arabic but it will not take long for them to become aware of his Spanish description of their performance as shameful.

Russia’s fans, forced to suffer years of poor performances in friendlies that left their team an embarrassing 70th in the world rankings will not care about the quality of the opponents.

But they will be aware that the Asian qualifiers look desperately ill-equipped to trouble Egypt or group favourites Uruguay, who meet tomorrow, and that there is still much to be done for the hosts to secure progress to the knockout stage.

Russia looked more purposeful from the start as they poured into the vast spaces on both flanks and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring after 12 minutes as Gazinsky was left unmarked to nod home Golovin’s deep left-wing cross.

Alan Dzagoev had been at the heart of things in their midfield promptings but had to go off after pulling a hamstring in the 23rd minute. Cherchesov said later that his tournament might be over but one man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity as his replacement Cheryshev doubled the lead with a mesmerising touch of skill.

Collecting a pass from Roman Zobnin on the left of the box he showed great composure to nonchalantly dink the ball inches above two prone defenders desperately sliding in, before lashing into the roof of the net.

Russia made it 3-0 in the 71st minute when Golovin chipped in a cross for giant striker Dzyuba to rise and head in from close range.

The crowd were then treated to a fabulous finale as Cheryshev cleverly rifled home an unstoppable curving fourth with the outside of his foot before Golovin capped a great personal performance by curling his free kick beyond the wall.

Russia can now prepare to face Egypt next week full of confidence while Saudi Arabia need to find instant improvement if they are to avoid further embarrassment against Uruguay.</s>Saudi Arabia conceded two goals in the first half against Russia after poor defending gifted them a second just before half time. The goalscorers were Yuri Gazinsky and Denis Cheryshev.

Saudi Arabia used to qualify for World Cups as a matter of course, but failure to make 2010 and 2014 had fans desperate to reach the 2018 World Cup. Led by Bert Van Marwijk, they did. Just. There was some luck along the way, but a last-day victory over an already qualified Japan did the trick and put the Green Falcons above Australia on goal difference. Yet qualification was followed by chaos, as Van Marwijk was replaced by Edgardo Bauza – who then left himself. Currently, former Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has taken up the head coaching role.

Sep 2016

 The opening game against Thailand in Riyadh was proving to be a frustrating experience until the softest of penalties six minutes from the end allowed Nawaf Al Abed to secure the points. Five days later, the midfielder scores twice more from the spot to give the Saudis a come-from behind win against Iraq.

 Oct 2016

 With 11 minutes remaining, Van Marwijk’s men are trailing at home to Australia. Then Nasser Al Shamrani strikes to earn what will turn out to be a vital point won.

 Nov 2016

 A 2-1 defeat in Japan prevents Saudi Arabia from breaking free at the top of the group.

 Sep 2017

 Needing to beat Japan at home in the final game to qualify, winger Fahad Al Muwallad makes the second-half difference and the 1-0 victory is celebrated wildly. But days later Van Marwijk announces he is leaving, with Edgardo Bauza replacing him.

 Nov 2017

 After just five games in charge, Argentinian Bauza was sacked as Saudi coach.

In Group A, Saudi Arabia are in a group containing the hosts Russia, Uruguay, and Egypt, lead by Mohamed Salah.

Saudi Arabia recently played two friendlies as preparation for the World Cup, a 3-0 victory against Moldova, and then a 4-1 loss to Iraq at the end of February. They then drew against Ukraine, but got hammered by Belgium four days later. Two wins against Algeria and Greece followed, and then two losses to Italy and Peru nearly concluded their World Cup friendlies. Finally they lost to Mats Hummels and Germany on the 8th of June.

Saudi Arabia will play in the opening game of the tournament against the hosts Russia on the 14th of June. This will be followed by matches against Uruguay on the 20th and Egypt on the 25th.

Juan Antonio Pizzi, age 49 (07.06.1968)

 Even by Saudi standards, the recent coaching merry-go-round was shocking. Van Marwijk, who had been in place for two years and was building a solid team, left just days after the Russian deal was sealed. In came Bauza, who had taken over the United Arab Emirates just weeks previously. A month later, the Argentinian had also said his goodbyes. Juan Antonio Pizzi, who lead Chile to the Copa America Centenario in 2016, has come in to fill the void.

The Players

 Stars

 Nawaf Al Abed was cool and composed throughout the final stage, and he scores as well as creates. When given the opportunity, Fahad Al Muwallad is exciting.

 Stalwarts

 Osama Hawsawi has been in the centre of defence for a long time – although some feel for too long.

 Missing

 Nasser Al Shamrani was Asian Player of the Year in 2014 but he started just one game in qualifying.

 Debutants

 Van Marwijk gave a first call-up to right-back Mohammed Al Burayk and the 25-year-old performed well under pressure.

We will update you with any injuries to Saudi Arabian players regularly.

What effect will the change of coaches have?

 Losing the experienced Bert Van Marwijk, who took his homeland to the 2010 Final, was huge. Not only did he know the players, they knew him and his system. Edgardo Bauza barely had time to get to know the squad, but friendly performances against Portugal and Bulgaria ended with much criticism and his departure proves that there are few seats as hot as that of Saudi Arabia’s coach. Time will tell if Pizzi can be as effective in this role as he had been with Chile.

Is Osama Hawsawi up to the job?

 At 33, the centre-back and captain came into the team just after the 2006 World Cup but his ageing legs have been showing a little of late.

What about international exposure?

 All the Saudis play at home and this is a problem. There is talk of some being loaned to European clubs, but that won’t be easy to arrange.</s>MOSCOW, June 15 — Russia launched the World Cup party in spectacular style when they thrashed a feeble Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the tournament’s opening match yesterday 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.

Artem Dzyuba was also on target a minute after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute and Aleksandr Golovin completed a memorable day by smashing in a free kick with the last action of the game.

The result equalled the best in a World Cup opening game — Brazil beat Mexico 5-0 in Geneva in 1954 — and watching Russian President Vladimir Putin wasted no time in phoning coach Stanislav Cherchesov to congratulate him.

“We are not getting ahead of ourselves. We saw that we are on the right track but we should forget this game and concentrate on the next one,” Cherchesov said after ending a seven-game winless run in emphatic style.

Constantly criticised in the ragged build-up games, Cherchesov had promised improvement once the phoney war was over and his energetic players duly delivered.

“We were tighter, more disciplined, more mature,” he said. “To be good is one thing, to be good at the right time in the right place is another.”

It also helps if you are facing a team who have now lost eight and drawn two of their last 10 World Cup matches, whose defending fell painfully short of World Cup standard and whose attack was non-existent.

Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi does not speak any Arabic but it will not take long for them to become aware of his Spanish description of their performance as shameful.

Russia’s fans, forced to suffer years of poor performances in friendlies that left their team an embarrassing 70th in the world rankings will not care about the quality of the opponents.

But they will be aware that the Asian qualifiers look desperately ill-equipped to trouble Egypt or group favourites Uruguay, who meet tomorrow, and that there is still much to be done for the hosts to secure progress to the knockout stage.

Russia looked more purposeful from the start as they poured into the vast spaces on both flanks and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring after 12 minutes as Gazinsky was left unmarked to nod home Golovin’s deep left-wing cross.

Alan Dzagoev had been at the heart of things in their midfield promptings but had to go off after pulling a hamstring in the 23rd minute. Cherchesov said later that his tournament might be over but one man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity as his replacement Cheryshev doubled the lead with a mesmerising touch of skill.

Collecting a pass from Roman Zobnin on the left of the box he showed great composure to nonchalantly dink the ball inches above two prone defenders desperately sliding in, before lashing into the roof of the net.

Russia made it 3-0 in the 71st minute when Golovin chipped in a cross for giant striker Dzyuba to rise and head in from close range.

The crowd were then treated to a fabulous finale as Cheryshev cleverly rifled home an unstoppable curving fourth with the outside of his foot before Golovin capped a great personal performance by curling his free kick beyond the wall.

Russia can now prepare to face Egypt next week full of confidence while Saudi Arabia need to find instant improvement if they are to avoid further embarrassment against Uruguay. — Reuters</s>The World Cup is underway! Who stole the show in the opening game of the tournament?

Russia opened the 2018 FIFA World Cup in style by dismantling Saudi Arabia 5-0 at home. The match went from a nervy end-to-end opening to a one-sided blow out towards the end of the game. Russia performed well considering their poor form and the pressure they were under but Saudi Arabia were especially poor and come out of the game with very few positives. Here is who I felt stood out in the 5-0 drubbing...

Al-shahrani was seemingly the only player for Saudi Arabia who wasn't overawed by the occasion. While the rest of his team were make sloppy touches and gifting away the ball, he looked determined to shine in such a high profile game. The left back for Saudi Arabia played like a left winger for much of the game as he regularly bombed down the flank looking to create something for his time. His passing was inventive, his runs were positive and he created a great chance with his cross from the left side in the first half that could have drastically swung the game's momentum. While Saudi Arabia's tournament is likely already over, more quality performances like this from Al-Shahrani will do his own stock no harm at all.

While the striker didn't end up with any of his team's 5 goals to his name, the Russian turned in a very solid performance. His passing and link up play was crucial to his teams success in a game where creativity in the final third is essentially what determined the outcome. While he might be disappointed he didn't grab himself a goal, it doesn't seem as though his team is lacking in that department and as long he can continue to help out his side in other ares I'm sure his manager will be very happy.

While it was very upsetting to see Alan Dzagoev go down with a hamstring injury that might end his tournament midway through the first half, this development did provide an opportunity for Cheryshev to shine. Coming on as Dzagoev's replacement, Cheryshev scored two sensational goals that sealed victory for his side. His first came after he deftly lifted the ball over a sliding defender before blasting the ball into the back of the net to double his nations side right before half time and really take the game away from Saudi Arabia. His second was a sensational outside-of-the-boot effort that turned a convincing Russia lead into an out-and-out goalfest. Cheryshev will likely get more chances to show what he can do following his performance and Dzagoev's injury and if he can continue to fire in goals like today, who knows how high Russia can climb in their group.

Next up for Russia will be Mo Salah's Egypt in a likely qulaification decider whereas poor old Saudi Arabia will be faced with rebounding from this performance against the far superior Uruguay side.</s>As the whistle blows to announce the start of the 2018 World Cup, two heavyweights will go head-to-head. Neither Russia nor Saudi Arabia, who play each other in the opening game, are football superpowers, with both falling well outside the top 50 of FIFA’s world rankings. Yet both states are aspiring political heavyweights, shaping the world through the production of oil and gas and exerting their influence across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. And the leaders of the two countries will meet in Moscow ahead of the match.

Russia and Saudi Arabia originally enjoyed positive relations, and the Soviet Union was the first state to recognise Ibn Saud – the Kingdom’s founding father – as the King of the Hijaz and Sultan of Nejd in February 1926. Yet things dramatically changed during Joseph Stalin’s domestic purge in the 1930s, after the Soviet ambassador to Saudi Arabia was recalled, arrested and executed.

The two nations have since endured a frosty relationship. Competition can be traced back to the Cold War, during which time Saudi Arabia allied itself with the US in an attempt to ensure its security from a range of threats including Pan-Arabism, Iran, Iraq, and communism.

The Soviet Union’s ideological stance of seemingly militant secularism was also vehemently at odds with the Kingdom’s staunchly Islamic raison d’etre, with Wahhabism – a fundamentalist interpretation of Islam – imbued within the fabric of the Saudi state as a means of ensuring its survival. When asked in the 1960s why Saudi Arabia did not have an embassy in Russia, King Faisal replied: “Go to Moscow and tell them to recognise God, and tomorrow I shall open an embassy in Moscow.” Such comments reveal the distance between the two states ideologically, and their position on opposing sides during the Cold War.

In recent years, the two states have found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict in Syria, which has taken on huge geopolitical significance for both. For Moscow, ensuring the survival of the Assad regime is of paramount importance. Russia wants to maintain a permanent presence in Syria including use of the Tartus port on the Mediterranean, and reports claim it has agreed a deal with Damascus to extend its presence there for a further 49 years.

For Saudi Arabia, removing Assad from power would be an important step in reducing the power of Iran across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and Iran have long been engaged in an increasingly existential rivalry that has manifested itself most obviously – and most devastatingly – in Syria.

Historically, tensions between Moscow and Riyadh played out through oil cartel OPEC. Russia, only an “observer” not a full member, traditionally wanted to limit output, while the Saudis sought to use their vast oil reserves against Iran. Though Iran also has lots of oil, its reserves are less accessible, and so Iran requires the price of oil to be higher than Saudi Arabia to make a profit on each barrel. Keeping the output high and prices low was therefore one way the Saudis could curtail Iran’s regional influence.

Nonetheless, in late 2016 Russia and Saudi Arabia struck a deal to limit oil production, in a marked shift of policy for the kingdom. This was followed by a number of other deals between companies in the two states, with a US$1 billion energy investment fund alongside a US$1 billion hi-tech investment fund – a paltry sum compared to economic ties between the kingdom and the US – and increased military links.

What is behind such burgeoning co-operation? The kingdom is in economic trouble and needs to raise a great deal of working capital – and later, investment – for its Vision 2030 initiative, which is designed to help the transition into the post-oil era. It also wants to increase the price of oil ahead of its national oil firm Saudi Aramco being listed on the stock exchange.

Perhaps most interesting of all is that Russia’s deal with the Saudis heralds a potential policy shift away from its long-time ally Iran. We should remember that Russian-Iranian relations were never as positive as people assumed. With a diminishing US role in the Middle East, Russia has sensed an opportunity to increase its influence across the region, while Saudi Arabia perhaps views an opportunity to weaken Iran by wooing Russia.

All of this points to a period of uncertainty for states across the region but in particular Iran and the US. Iran are in Group B in the World Cup and so are unlikely to play either Russia or Saudi Arabia in this tournament, while America failed to qualify. But in Moscow and Riyadh a great geopolitical game is just kicking off.

More articles about the World Cup and politics, written by academics:
• None What does FIFA really want out of this World Cup?
• None Countering the doping and hooliganism scandals: why Russia needs a good World Cup</s>Politics and football are allied on certain aspects in every corner of the world, even when it is the biggest spectacle of the concerned sport. Ever since Russia were awarded the rights to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, there have been consternation about potential discrimination to players and visiting fans, the country's human rights situation and Vladimir Putin's worsening diplomatic relations with much of the western world, especially because of the Russian President's approach of soft power grab in Europe through the FIFA World Cup.

Russia, for all its military firepower and intelligence assets, has been rendered slightly inconsequential since the collapse of the Soviet Union, more so in light of the economic sanctions put in place against them, making the 2018 FIFA World Cup a significant cultural conduit for Putin, but all the background noise faded away as football took centre stage at the refurbished Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow as early as the twelfth minute through Yuri Gazinsky's opening goal.

Gazinsky was barely two-years-old when the disintegration of the USSR in 1991 changed the political landscape of his country, and on Thursday, the midfielder's first international goal in his first appearance in over fifteen months paved the way for a 5-0 rout of Saudi Arabia to mark the commencement of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Russia headed into the World Cup as the lowest ranked team in the FIFA, a mantle Saudi Arabia are likely to seize come end of the tournament, but the injury-depleted hosts were buoyed by the occasion to put in a flawless display. Stanislav Cherchesov abandoned his three-man defence and opted for a traditional 4-2-3-1 while Saudi Arabia lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

The match was evenly contested for most of the first half as both teams adopted a cautious approach to build-up play. As the minutes ticked by and the hosts settled into a comfortable rhythm, it became progressively difficult for Juan Antonio Pizzi's Saudi Arabia to assert themselves in spite of their superlative ball possession. Russia chose to drive straight at the Asian country's backline every time they had the ball, the Green Falcons failing to come up with a solution for the Russian midfielders' late, incisive passes to an overlapping runner between the channels.

Russia's first goal came off a corner earned through such a ploy - although Saudi Arabia cleared the initial corner, Aleksandr Golovin combined with veteran Yuri Zhirkov on the left flank to loop in a cross into the penalty area which was slotted in by Gazinsky. Minutes later, Russia's attacking midfielder-in-chief Alan Dzagoev would limp off with a hamstring injury, but substitute Denis Cherysev put in an inspired performance, one which prompted Russian supporters to wonder why the Real Madrid academy graduate wasn't handed a start.

Cheryshev's brace was symbolic of the gulf in class between the two nations. If his first goal was a consequence of his technical abilities shining through, side-lining an inept Saudi defense with a quick piece of skill followed by an well-executed shot, his second of the night was a spectacular moment of individual brilliance as his shot with the outside of his left boot from the edge of the penalty area swirled over an outstretched Abdullah Al-Mayoof.

Equally crucial to Russia's display was another substitute Artem Dzyuba who scored the third of the night and teed up Cheryshev's stoppage-time stunner. The hosts are not the favourites in Group A by any means, but Cherchesov does have a few skilful players who can outsmart any opposition on their days. Aleksandr Golovin, arguably the Sbornaya's brightest talent, capped off his sterling night with an inch-perfect free-kick to complete Saudi Arabia's pummelling.

If excellent finishing from the Russians were to blame for the Falcons' misery, Saudi Arabia certainly did not help themselves as they repeatedly gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled to deal with textbook situations in their defensive third. The collective shambles of the Saudi Arabia backline, in turn, coerced their attackers to attempt ambitious moves without much success, resulting in a disjointed shape and a pitiful display.

Sometimes direct football is the best modus operandi, especially for teams without earth-shattering talents in their ranks. Russia kept it simple and reaped the rewards, while Saudi Arabia committed schoolboy errors and paid the price.

Saudi Arabia must regroup quickly, while Russia should do away with any elation for the next two matches will be more difficult for both nations - both Egypt and Uruguay have far more accomplished players in their midst. While the Russian performance invited a call of appreciation for Cherchesov from President Putin, the looks of incredulity shared by Putin with Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia after every Russian golazo were a sight to behold, or as he worded it "the power of humanistic beginning" of the most "spectacular, vibrant, uncompromising game" on the planet.</s>The World Cup is here at last.

Host Russia opens the 2018 competition against Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Thursday, in a meeting between the two lowest-ranked teams in the field.

The draw did 70th-ranked Russia a favor, putting 67th-ranked Saudi Arabia is the first opponent in a group that also features Uruguay and Egypt. Given the increasing difficulty in each match for the Russians, they'll be looking to open with a three-point haul as they look to avoid joining South Africa (2010) as the only host nation to not escape the group stage.

Saudi Arabia will be looking for an equally positive start as well, with ex-Chile manager Juan Antonio Pizzi, who took charge days before the World Cup draw, leading the Asian nation into a difficult circumstance–being the hosts's first opponent.

Stay tuned here for live updates and highlights of goals and key plays from throughout the match (refresh for most recent updates):

Here are the lineups for both sides:

Here are the rosters for both nations:</s>The controversial 1976 epic The Message is finally being screened in Saudi Arabia. It’s the first Arabic film to get a commercial cinema screening in the conservative kingdom.

The film, which chronicles the origin of Islam and the life of prophet Muhammad, is now a staple in many Muslim households across the world. The Message was made in two versions: one in English, starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Papas, and one in Arabic, with leading Arab stars, the Egyptian Abdullah Gheith and Mouna Wasef of Syria. Its production and initial release were met with heavy backlash.

The film was banned in a number of Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In the US, theatrical release was suspended after members of the Hanafi movement, an extremist group, staged a siege in Washington, D.C., taking hostages and killing two people. The group had mistakenly believed that Quinn played the role of Muhammad on film.

Images of Muhammad are strictly forbidden in Islam. The Syrian-American director and producer Moustapha Akkad was well aware and created a film in which the main character is never shown or heard. Instead, his presence is suggested when other characters speak to the camera directly. And they repeat the prophet’s words. Despite this, the film was still harshly criticized by conservative Islamic clerics.

Now, more than 40 years after the film was first released, the Saudi censorship board cleared it to be screened today (June 14) in a restored 4K version. The film will air just in time for Eid celebrations.

Last December, the Saudi government announced it would be re-opening movie theaters after a 35-year ban. Marvel’s superhero blockbuster Black Panther was the first film to be shown, followed by Isle of Dogs and A Quiet Place.

Saudi reopened cinemas as part its bid to encourage a more open domestic culture. Previously, movies would be watched films in homes, or Saudis would have go to cinemas in neighboring countries. The recent liberalization of Saudi society is seen largely as a drive to diversify its economy, which relies on oil exports for 90% of its state budget. The government has pledged to invest billions of dollars in non-oil businesses, particular in technology.</s>MOSCOW (Reuters) - 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.

Artem Dzyuba was also on target a minute after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute and Aleksandr Golovin completed a memorable day by smashing in a free kick with the last action of the game.

The result equalled the best in a World Cup opening game - Brazil beat Mexico 5-0 in Geneva in 1954 - and watching Russian President Vladimir Putin wasted no time in phoning coach Stanislav Cherchesov to congratulate him.

“We are not getting ahead of ourselves. We saw that we are on the right track but we should forget this game and concentrate on the next one,” Cherchesov said after ending a seven-game winless run in emphatic style.

Constantly criticized in the ragged build-up games, Cherchesov had promised improvement once the phoney war was over and his energetic players duly delivered.

“We were tighter, more disciplined, more mature,” he said.

“To be good is one thing, to be good at the right time in the right place is another.”

It also helps if you are facing a team who have now lost eight and drawn two of their last 10 World Cup matches, whose defending fell painfully short of World Cup standard and whose attack was non-existent.

Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi does not speak any Arabic but it will not take long for them to become aware of his Spanish description of their performance as shameful.

Russia’s fans, forced to suffer years of poor performances in friendlies that left their team an embarrassing 70th in the world rankings will not care about the quality of the opponents.

But they will be aware that the Asian qualifiers look desperately ill-equipped to trouble Egypt or group favorites Uruguay, who meet tomorrow, and that there is still much to be done for the hosts to secure progress to the knockout stage.

Russia looked more purposeful from the start as they poured into the vast spaces on both flanks and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring after 12 minutes as Gazinsky was left unmarked to nod home Golovin’s deep left-wing cross.

Alan Dzagoev had been at the heart of things in their midfield promptings but had to go off after pulling a hamstring in the 23rd minute. Cherchesov said later that his tournament might be over but one man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity as his replacement Cheryshev doubled the lead with a mesmerizing touch of skill.

Collecting a pass from Roman Zobnin on the left of the box he showed great composure to nonchalantly dink the ball inches above two prone defenders desperately sliding in, before lashing into the roof of the net.

Russia made it 3-0 in the 71st minute when Golovin chipped in a cross for giant striker Dzyuba to rise and head in from close range.

The crowd were then treated to a fabulous finale as Cheryshev cleverly rifled home an unstoppable curving fourth with the outside of his foot before Golovin capped a great personal performance by curling his free kick beyond the wall.

Russia can now prepare to face Egypt next week full of confidence while Saudi Arabia need to find instant improvement if they are to avoid further embarrassment against Uruguay.
The Message is the first Arabic film commercially screened in Saudi Arabia.