Russia thrash Saudi Arabia 5-0 in World Cup opener

This year's Football World Cup has opened in spectacular fashion, with the host Russians routing Saudi Arabia 5-0, recording the biggest win by the host nation in the opening game of a World Cup since 1934.

Russian football player Roman Zobnin (center) and Saudi football players during the match. June 14, 2018. [Photo: IC]

Russia had not won in their past seven matches.

But in front of a crowd of some 78-thousand fans at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia had little trouble against the Saudis.

Russian head coach Stanislav Cherchesov.

"I don't think we are really dealing with a danger here. We understand clearly why we are here, why we are gathered here, why we took a walk in the morning when we discussed the details when it was mentioned that the World Cup is just beginning. It's just the beginning, not the end. We won 5-0. We got three points."

Russia's victory continues a streak of the host nation not losing the opening match in any of the 21 editions of the World Cup.

The agressive start also significantly helps Russia's chances of qualifying from the group stage.

Russia will play Egypt next, while Saudi Arabia will face Uruguay.