Updated August 8th, 2018 at 17:58 IST
WORLD CUP 2018: Player Ratings, Russia vs Saudi Arabia
Russia started of the World Cup 2018 in the best possible fashion, dismantling Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the first match
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Russia started of the World Cup 2018 in the best possible fashion, dismantling Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the first match. In front of a full packed crowd, the host nation produced a stunning display to thrash a hapless Saudi team.
It was not any individual performance, but a team display which propelled Russia. Their goalkeeper and skipper Igor Akinfeev did not have one save to make, which proved the strength of Russia's defense.
The midfield and attack had a field day against Saudi defense. Let's take a look at how the players fared from both the teams.
Russia Starting XI:
Akinfeev: The Russian skipper had absolutely nothing to do. His defense did the job for him, as he enjoyed watching his forward players put up a show. (6)
Fernandes: The right sided full-back was exceptional, both in attack and defense. He nullified the threat of his opposite number, and also made some marauding runs. (8)
Kutepov: The centre-back, along with his partner did not let Saudi attackers have a sniff at the goal. This was as easy as it gets. (7)
Ignashevich: The experienced centre-back, just like his Kutepov, had nothing to do the whole match. He made a couple of good interventions, but that was it. (7)
Zhirkov: The former Chelsea player was exceptional, and just like Fernandes, made some good runs. Even at 34, he seems extremely fit to maraud and support the attackers. (8)
Gazinskiy: The Russian No.8 produced a neat display in midfield, but more importantly, opened the scoring for the host nation in the 12th minute. (Zobnin: The midfielder ended the game with an assist for the second goal. Overall, a very neat performance. (7)
Samedov: One of the three players behind Smolov, Samedov was a constant threat to the opposition before being taken off in the 64th minute. (7)
Dzagoev: A hamstring injury ended the midfielder's game. He was on the field for 24 minutes, but showed promise whenever on the ball. (6)
Golovin: The most threatening player in the team. He was a constant menace to the Saudi defence. While it seemed he would end up with two assists, he came up with a stunner of a free-kick in stoppage time. Definitely man of the match! (10)
Smolov: He was chosen over Dzyuba to start, and he did not disappoint his manager and nation. While he did not score, his link-up and hold up play was excellent. (7)
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Substitutes:
Cheryshev: The former Real Madrid winger produced a brilliant performance. While at times he showed his selfishness, but he made up for it with two brilliant goals. A great substitute to have. (9)
Dzyuba: It was surprising to see him not start, given his terrific record for the national side. He came on as a substitute for Smolov, and made an instant impact, scoring his team's third goal. (8)
Kuzyayev: He came on for Samedov, and showed signs of directness. A good cameo overall. (7)
Saudi Arabia Starting XI:
Almuaiouf: A nightmare day for the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper, as he let in five goals. Wasn't helped much by his defence. (4)
Al-Burayk: The only thing he did of note was a good cross in the second half. Except that, a game to forget for the right back, who was constantly on the back foot. (4)
Osama Hawsawi: The skipper was the best player on the pitch for Saudi, making some crucial interceptions. He got little help from anyone else. (5)
Omar Hawsawi: The centre-back partner to skipper, he did nothing of note, and struggled against the Russian attack. (4)
Al-Shahrani: Did nothing of note, and was constantly under pressure from Fernandes and Golovin. (4)
Otayf: None of the midfielders could do anything with the ball, and Otayf was one of them. (4)
Al Dawsari: Despite playing the full match, did nothing of note, just like his other teammates. (4)
Al Faraj: He played in all the matches during the Asian Zone qualifiers, but struggled big time against Russia. (4)
Al Jassim: Nothing of note by the midfielder. Struggled to do anything with the ball. (4)
Al-Shehri: The 27-year-old was the No.8 for Saudi, but couldn't do any justice to his role with a poor performance. (4)
Al Sahlawi: The forward was tasked with holding up the ball for his teammates to join in the attack, but he failed miserably. (3)
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Substitutes:
Al Muwallad: Came in for Otayf, but just like others, couldn't do anything. (4)
Babhir: Replaced Al-Shehri with 15 minutes to go. Didn't make any impact. (4)
Aseri: Came in for the striker Al Sahlawi with just five minutes to go. (4)
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Published June 14th, 2018 at 22:30 IST
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