Colombo (News 1st) –  FIFA 2018 started in an emphatic style by Russia yesterday (June 14) when they beautifully outclassed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the tournament’s opening match to give the host nations team and fans the lift they desperately needed for a while.

The result equalled the best-ever in the history of a World Cup opening game where Brazil beat Mexico  5-0 in Geneva in 1954. Russia took full advantage of the Saudi team whose defeat fell short of the World Cup standards and their attack was visibly non-existent. For the Russian fans, the lacklustre attack by the opponent team was of major benefit after having to constantly endure a run of seven games without a win.