The Russia Fifa 2018 began in an entertaining and exciting fashion as the host country, Russia thrashed the Saudi Arabia side 5-0 in the Luzhniki Stadium, Russia.
Much was expected from the match especially from Russia, going by the fact that russia side hasn't won a game in their last 10 outings and had a poor pre world cup going into this match. The encounter was between the 70th and 67th rank in fifa football ranking, Russia and Saudi Arabia respectively.
The game was expected to be more competitive but it however went one sided. The Arabian had more possession (41%-59%) but didn't quite have the finish, organisation and composure. The host nation scored great five goals and went home with 3 point. The first goal was however controversial but the Russian side showed their superiority and quality throughout the game.
Key Points
1. Fitness: The Russian side showed great fitness all through the match and were resilent. The first 15min was dominated by the Saudi Arabians but the Russians grew into the match by showing their quality, endurance level and no signs of weakness. The Saudi Arabian became exhausted with time. Fitness of players is very important.
2. Organisation: Organisation, tactics, formation are important in football. The Russian side showed exactly that from defense to attack, as they were the more organised side. They showed great composure even when the ball was with their opponents.
3. Quality of Substitution: This quite helped the Russia side even has Alan Dzagoev, their sharp attacking midfielder was pulled up with a hamstring injury, his replacement Denis Cheryshev stepped up and scored two lovely goals goals (2nd and 4th). Also the second half substitute Artem Dzyuba scored immediately. This showed that in other to survive at the world cup stage a team is required to have a good replace replacement/rich bench.
4. Individual Brilliance: Football and the world cup is usually filled with individual brilliance and moments of magic that's one of things that make it memorable, lovely and fun to watch. The Russia side displayed such in their individual precision to take deadballs, change the game, the run of play to the goals and a gorgeous long-range blast free kick from Cheryshev. For a team to thrive in the world cup such qualities are expected.
Other entertaining and exciting games are yet to come in the world cup, more are expected. Russia 2018 world cup promises to be great.