World Cup: Russia 5 Saudi Arabia 0 - 5 things you need to know

Russia's Artem Dzyuba scores their third goal. PHOTO: REUTERS

1. The goals

Russia 5 (Yuri Gazinskiy 12th, Denis Cheryshev 43rd and 90th, Artem Dzyuba 71st and Aleksandr Golovin 90th) Saudi Arabia 0

2. The wow moment

Super-sub Cheryshev hitting a cracker from just inside the box with the outside of his boot for an early goal of the tournament contender.

3. The talking point

Goal difference could be key in Group A and Russia were clinical in taking their chances, scoring from five out of seven shots on target against the hapless Saudis, who failed to test goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev once.

4. The star

Cheryshev failed to make an impression at Real Madrid before moving to LaLiga side Villarreal. While he was an enforced substitution after Alan Dzagoev came off with a hamstring injury in the 24th minute, the winger had a stunning impact off the bench with two goals and a fine all-round display. He could put himself in the World Cup shop window with more star turns like on Thursday (June 14).

5. What the result means

Saudi Arabia have not won a World Cup game for 24 years and once again, it looks like the Finals might be a step too far with Egypt and Uruguay - two stronger teams than Russia on paper - to come. Expect them to be the whipping boys of Group A.

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