Aaaaaaarrrrggghhhh! It is upon us! Happy holidays, football mubarak, chag sameakh and merry World Cup! After four long, lonesome years, now we are whole again. So what of Russia v Saudi Arabia? Well, he said, answering his own question, Russia are not very good. They haven't won in seven games and weren't great before that, so face a struggle to get out of this group, which has neither greatness nor drek. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, have run both Germany and Italy close recently, and won't role over today. But the reality is that Russians and Saudis aside, no one really cares because what's to care about? The World Cup is here!

World Cup / Group Stage

Luzhniki Stadium / 14.06.2018

Russia

Completed

Saudi Arabia

Y. Gazinsky(12')
D. Cheryshev(43', 90+1')
A. Dzyuba(71')
A. Golovin(90+4')

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Live Updates

ByTom Adams

Updated 14/06/2018 at 16:59 GMT

16:49

Half-time: Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

45+1

Saudi need a proper talking to at half-time, because they've not been focused enough - there's just no excuse for how frequently and how cheaply they've given away possession. If they do't improve, they'll find themselves on the wrong end of a hiding.

45'

There shall be two added minutes.

43'

WHAT A GOAL! Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia (Cheryshev) This a lovely goal! Saudi give it away again and Russia break again. When Golovin gets on the ball just outside the box, Chershev has hectares to his left. But the pass is short, so Cheryshev tips it up for himself, sending two defenders for a bag o' chips, takes another touch, and slams a rising drive into the roof at the near post. Brilliantly done!

41'

Russia get Cheryshev on the ball down the left of the box and he comes back inside Omar suddenly - that is very nice - but not apprising a pass, he goes back outside and is crowded out.

40'

It's gone quiet, but this is a fairly decent opener so far and way better than the first one I watched, Bulgaria v Mexico in 1986. I was, though in a great deal of mirth thanks to the name Getov.

38'

Russia nearly get in again on the counter, Golovin knocking in behind for Smolov. Saudi have plenty of men back, but their line is higher than the sun and because they keep losing the ball via careless turnover, there's no pressure on it when whichever Russian in possession wants to pick a pass.

35'

Nice from Saudi down the left, who're starting to pass to each other. Amazingly, that's helping them, and Yahi and Alsahlawi combine nicely, but then Russia crowd them out and break, Zobanin turning beautifully in centrefield to set Golovin away. But as he breaks into the box, Osama comes over and times his tackle perfectly. There are appeals for a penalty, but the ref immediately signals to the contrary.

34'

Dear oh dear - Saudi just can't stop giving it away, and Omar allows the ball over his foot and out for a throw. Someone needs to remind him of his responsibilities.

33'

There's been a definite shift in momentum, though Saudi don't look anywhere near as dangerous as Russia did in the first 20 minutes.

30'

Saudi win a free-kick down the right, level with the corner of the box, more or less.Salman wedges into the box, and Alsahlawi heads over, forced to generate all his own pace.

28'

Saudi are playing the game in the Russia half now, but their passing is such that I'd not surprised to see Russia score again on the break - there's a bit of a rugby union feel to this, in that one interception looks likely to result in a concession.

26'

The game has quietened down a bit, which is good for Saudi, but then Otayf gives it away from a nifty position down the right and Cheryshev tanks forward, getting to the line and cutting back for no one. but it took two men to see him away there, and immediately after winning the ball, Saudi give it away again.

24'

Dzagiev limps off, and Cheryshev replaces him. That's a shame - Dzagoev is a good player with good touch and vision. Cheryshev is the only member of the Russian squad who plays outside of Russia - he's at Villarreal - and he's on gone onto the lefft, with Golovin assuming the vacated number 10 position.

21'

But here come Saudi, Yasser nashing down the left and crossing well into the middle. Alsahlawi is there with Ignashevic, who's forced to head behind; the corner is rubbish, but Saudi pick up the pieces and Alsahlawi shoots hard as the ball drops and earns a further corner. Again, it's rubbish, and Russia break ... ONLY FOR DZAGOEV TO TWANG HIS HAMSTRING! AAARRRFGGGH! That'll be his match and tournament, I'm afraid.

21'

Zhirkov finds Golovin down the left of the box and they almost combine to create a chance.

19'

Yasser gives it away and Samedov drives forward. He can't find a mate, but that is basically the game so far: Russia pressurising Saudi Arabia into making a mistake and having at them in the aftermath.

18'

17'

Saudi can't get hold of it at the moment. They need to not concede a second; there's some insight for you.

15'

Russia are pouring it on, and make down the right again, Samedov played in to cross. He's so far offside it's ridiculous but no one bothers noticing and he cuts back for Dzagoev, who is blocked off. I think it's by Alburayk, who then receives treatment, but is quickly up and about.

14'

We see a shot of the Saudi crown prince shaking hands with Putin. "They're doing an oil deal," says Clive Tyldesley, which I guess is better than an arms deal, yeah?

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