The World Cup Host Enjoys Its Cupcake

Four long years awaiting this moment.

Since Brazil 2014, changes have occurred, not the least being the World Cup final's field expanding to a whopping 32 teams with more on the way.

However, one thing that will never change is the amazing atmosphere the World Cup brings to all of us.

Something else that's remained the same is the host side gets to open festivities with the least challenging match that FIFA can possibly schedule.

 

And, whaddaya know, in the Russia 2018 debut the hosts absolutely devastated Saudi Arabia, 5-0.

Great for the Sbornaya -- Сборная if you wanna get technical; the national team -- but with the expanded field, not so great if this becomes a trend.

Not surprisingly, Russia were superior from the first whistle onward, always looking for the next attack. Even less surprisingly, and the Green Falcons seemed stagestruck.

 

With the initial pressure building quickly, Russia's goal arrived early, as in the 12th minute.

After a good cross, Yuri Gazinskiy opened his account with a header, making Moscow pulse:

 

Saudi Arabia tried to strike back but, in each attempt, they showed it was either not their day, not their time, or both.

Before the end of the first half, Russia got its second with a nifty effort by Denis Cheryshev, who displayed a world class touch whilst dribbling betwwn two defenders, beating the 'keeper, and going into celebration mode:

 

Nothing changed in the second half, as the rout got underway.

Russia was clearly trying not to risk that much, since they were 2-0 up and stranger things have happened at sea.

 

Meanwhile, the Saudis seemed too shy to realize it, much less attempt to equalize it.

So, the beatdown went on.

Here's Artem Dzyuba in the 71st minute, using his head again:

 

The crowd must've wanted more or something, because even with Russia having the match firmly in hand after 90 minutes, the referee signals for three minutes of additional time.

Dude's probably a sadist.

Anyway, that was more than enough for the hosts to lay on two more goals:

Cheryshev again, with another world class goal ...

 

... and Aleksandr Golovin finishing it up with a decent free-kick:

 

The tourney's first official patootie pasting is in the books.

Hopefully, there won't be many more.