Rossija 5-0 Saudi Arabia
Thanks to the Panini 1994 World Cup sticker book album that I can give Russia its native name.
Anyways, here we are at the beginning of the 21st FIFA World Cup, which is now 88 years old!
My recollection of the tournament can relate back to Italia ‘90 (June 8, 1990 - July 8, 1990) that was the tournament that set me up on be being a supporter of Italia, on top of supporting my country, Cymru!
Today, Thursday, June 14, 2018: We saw ex-Take That singer Robbie Williams who since leaving the boy band a good 20 years ago, opening the tournament with a few of his classic hits and joining him, operatic soprano Aida Garifullina. Unfortunately for an opening ceremony this only lasted 10 minutes, which is dire when you compare it to the IOC Olympics.
Sorry but why have an Opening Ceremony if its 10 minutes long!!!
Come 4pm (UK time) its time for Kick-Off! and Saudi Arabia who haven’t competed in the FIFA World Cup Finals since 2002 when that World Cup started in May 31, which was the first May World Cup since 1986. Not the earliest month though as Qatar 2022, which I believe will start in February! Manic European domestic fixtures to come!! (Blame Sepp Blatter)
Sorry, got sidetracked there, back to the start of the game, two sides, 90 minutes. Russia with the upper hand but Saudi Arabia did start well and did hold in there for the first few minutes to max of their capability before Russia overpowered them with a 12th minute goal by Gazinskiy and a 43rd minute goal by Cheryshev to take it to 2-0 to Russia at Half-Time.
With Russia going into the second half at 2-0, it seemed Saudi Arabia approached the game as they did in the first half and did take a few shots but Russia ended running riot with goals by Dzyuba in the 71st minute and two late goals by Cheryshev in the 91st minute and Golovin in the 94th.
Russia’s 5-0 win, is the biggest opening match win since Italy thrashed USA 7-1 on Sunday, May 27, 1934.
Next up!.. Russia face Egypt on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 and Saudi Arabia face Uruguay on Wednesday, 20 June, 2018.
