FIFA World Cup 2018: Russia defeat Saudi Arabia | As it happened

Well, that's all from the first match of FIFA World Cup.

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Final Whistle

Russia have won the first match of the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup 2018 by defeating Saudi Arabia 3-0 at Luznicki stadium, Moscow on Thursday. Mid-fielder Yury Gazinsky scored the first goal of the tournament in the first half of the tournament. The lead was further extended by Denis Cheryshev. He came as a substituted in the 43rd minute of the game scored the goal to gave a 2-0 advantage, he then struck against and became the secondplayer after Oleg Salenko, in the history of World Cup to score more than once for Russia.

One goal after another

GOAL

RUSSIA 5-0 SAUDI ARABIA

A foul helped Russia in the injury time to seal the victory with a score of 5-0.

After a beautiful assit Golovin culred a fine strike from the free-kick. Golovin lifted the ball and the landed inside the post after confusing the goalkeeper.

Super goal!!!Denis Cheryshev strikes again

The host Russia havestarted the tournament on a high note. What else one wants in the first match of the World Cup campaign.

GOAL

RUSSIA 4-0 SAUDI ARABIA

Amazing goal byDenis Cheryshev in the extra time. The way Russians have played tonight, it shows that they are aiming for the golden trophy.

10:10 PM IST

There isn't much time left for Saudi Arabia team. They need to work on thepassing accuracy as they have suffered a lot of bloopers in the match and a fragile defence is also a reason for their 0-3 deficit.

10:05 PM IST

Artem Dzyuba enters in style

GOAL

RUSSIA 3-0 SAUDI ARABIA

Striker Artem Dzyuba scored the third goal for Russia has sealed the victory.

A mesmerizing showcase of team effort whenGolovin promoted the goal from the right side and Dzyuba, making no mistakes, stunned the Saudi goalkeeper to net the ball.

10:00 PM IST

Change for Russia

IN: Artem Dzyuba

OUT: Fyodor Smolov

09:55 PM IST

64th minute

Another substitution for Russia

IN: Daler Kuzyayev

OUT: Aleksandr Samedov

Change for Saudi Arabia

IN: Fahad Al-Muwallad

OUT: Abdullah Otayf

Prediction is here, but we are notCat Achilles

WION users have given their verdict for the first match of FIFA World Cup 2018.

HALF-TIME

Russia have taken the advantage by scoringtwo goals in the first half of the opener match. The first half was entirely dominated by Russians as mid-fielder Yury Gazinsky andDenis Cheryshev scored to give a 2-0 lead. Gazinsky became the first player to score and Denis Cheryshev became the first substitute to score a goal in the 21st edition of football world cup. The second half will be crucial for the Saudi Arabia team.

Stay tuned for the further updates.

09:13 PM IST

GOAL

RUSSIA 2-0 SAUDI ARABIA

Russia have extended the lead further by scoring the second goal in the concluding minutes of the first half.

Denis Cheryshev who was substituted in the 43rd minute of the game scored the goal to gave a 2-0 advantage to the team.

08:42 PM IST

GOAL

RUSSIA 1-0 SAUDI ARABIA

Russia tookthe advantage by scoring a goal in the initial minutes of the tournament.

Mid-fielder Yury Gazinsky scored the first goal of the tournament.

08:35 PM IST

Both the teams are ready to lock horns in the first match of the tournament.

08:30 PM IST

Confirmed squad:

Russia (4-2-3-1)

Igor Akinfeev (capt); Mario Fernandes, Ilya Kupetov, Sergey Ignashevich, Yury Zhirkov; Yury Gazinsky, Roman Zobnin; Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Golovin, Alexander Samedov; Fedor Smolov

Saudi Arabia (4-5-1)

Abdullah Al-Muaiouf; Osama Hawsawi (capt), Omar Hawsawi, Mohammed Al-Burayk, Yasser Al-Shahrani; Salman Al-Faraj, Yahia Al-Shehri, Abdullah Otayf, Taiseer Al-Jassam, Salem Al-Dawsari; Mohammed Al-Sahlawi

Match 1: Russia vs Saudi Arabia

That's it from the opening ceremony you stay tuned to get the quick updates of the first match which is between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

08:25 PM IST

FIFA president Gianni Infantino welcomed the fans.

08:20 PM IST

Putin says, "Wellcome to Russia"

After a pulsating performance by legend Robbie Williams, it's Russia's PresidentVladimir Putin shared his words ahead of the biggest sporting tournament.

08:10 PM IST

"I sit and wait
Does an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go
When we're grey and old
'Cause I have been told
That salvation lets their wings unfold
So when I'm lying in my bed
Thoughts running through my head
And I feel the love is dead
I'm loving angels instead"

The beautiful lyrics of "Angels" song which is sung by English singer Robbie Williams is echoing in the stadium. He sang another very popular song "Rock DJ"

08:00 PM IST

It begins!

Robbie Williams has entered the stadium with mike in his hand. This is historic!!!

07:56 PM IST

Amidall the buzz!

Russia's players including defender Fedor Koudryashov (C) warm up prior to the first Group A match.

07:51 PM IST

The trophy is here!

Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Russian model Natalia Vodianova stand next to the World Cup trophy during the opening ceremony.

32 nations, one trophy one dream!!!

07:40 PM IST

The opening ceremony is set to startRobbie Williams, Will Smith and Brazilian soccer legend, Ronaldinho will take part.

07:35 PM IST

All eyes are on the host country Russia as they will play their first match on day one of the tournamentagainst Saudi Arabia.

Watch the preview of Russia vs Saudi Arabia

07:25 PM IST

Watch: The preparations are going on

The opening ceremony will take place at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow and in the same stadium, the finale will take place on July 15.Luzhniki Stadium is the main stadium for the World Cup 2018. It was originally built to host the first nationwide summer Spartakiad in 1956. It also hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics. It has a capacity of 80,000.

07:08 PM IST

Who will perform tonight?

It is confirmed that Robbie Williams will be performing tonight at the opening ceremony. Also, Will Smith alongside artists Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi have released anthem song for the 21st edition of football world cup.

So it is expected that American singer, Will Smith will perform today. One more song was released, the song "Colours" which is written by an American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo and the song is serving the purpose of anthem for FIFA WC 2018.

Let's wait and watch who all will perform!

06:50 PMIST

The fans have started gathering around theLuzhniki Stadium ahead of the opening ceremony.

06:30 PMIST

The wait is finally over!

It's June 14 and the four-year wait is finally over. The 21st edition of FIFA World Cup has started. The event will begin with a glitzy opening ceremony followed by the first match of the tournament which is between the host Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium. Thirty-two countries from different confederations have qualified for the tournament and will go for the kill to clinch the most decorated trophy in the sporting world, the golden hand-and-ball. The event has attracted tourists from all over the world to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars playing the world cup match.

All eyes are on the host country Russia as they will play the first match on day one of the tournament. Amidst several controversies and adversities, the most awaited tournament is finally underway.

Know the mascot

This year's official mascot is a wolf named Zabivaka which means "the one who scores" in Russian. Zabivaka is charming, confident and social and has always dreamt of becoming a football star.

32 nations 1 dream

Five-time winners Brazil are there, as are defending champions Germany, plus Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia and Uruguay set to claim the title of world champions.