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. 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. 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.
The Message is the first Arabic film commercially screened in Saudi Arabia.