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Preview: Russia vs Saudi Arabia; World Cup 2018 finally kicks off

By Shawn Ivan D'souza

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: A close up of the World Cup trophy after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: A close up of the World Cup trophy after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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The wait is finally over, World Cup 2018 is here. Here is our preview for the curtain raiser clash between Russia and Saudi Arabia

Football fans around the world will turn their attention to Russia as they witness the best 32 teams go head to head to win the biggest footballing prize this summer, the World Cup.

Robbie Williams and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina will be performing at the opening ceremony before the ball rolls in Moscow this summer.

In the first match, we have two of the lowest ranked team in the tournament face each other. Saudi Arabia(67) and Russia(70) will be hoping to pick the important three points in a tough group that also contains Egypt and Uruguay.

Match Information

Location: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia

Date: June 14th, 2018

Time: 3:00pm(UTC)/6:00pm(local time)

World Cup Preparations

Russia: In the buildup to the World Cup, Russia played friendlies against Austria and Turkey. Cherchesov’s men failed to pick up a victory in both fixtures – 1 draw, 1 win.

Austria were too good for the World Cup hosts as they beat them 1-0. The game against Turkey was an even affair but Russia couldn’t hold on to a first-half lead as the scoreline read 1-1 at full-time.

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Saudi Arabia: The Green Falcons have got the opportunity to play 5 games before heading to Russia. They beat Greece and Algeria with a scoreline of 2-0.

Italy, Peru and Germany have got the better of Saudi Arabia, scoring one and conceding seven in the three games.

Players to Watch

Fedor Smolov – 28-year old featured for Kransdor in the Russian Premier League last season. In 32 appearances for Russia, Smolov has found the back of the net 12 times.

The host nation will rely on the striker to provide the goods in front of goal as they hope to pick up a crucial victory.

Mohammad Al-Sahlawi – The striker plays his trade with Al -Nassr in Saudi Professional League. He scored 16 out of the 28 goals for Saudi Arabia during the World Cup qualification phase. Though he hasn’t scored for the national side since last June, Sahlawi holds the key if they are to win on Thursday.

Past Meetings

Russia and Saudi Arabia have played each other once prior to the World Cup opener. In 1993, both sides met in a friendly match where Sbornaya  beat the Green Falcons comfortably with a 4-2 scoreline.

Possible lineups

Russia: Akinfeev; Smolnikov, Kutepov, Ignashevich; Samedov, Zobrin, Gazinskiy, Zhirkov; Dzagoev, Smolov, Golovin

Saudi Arabia: Al-Mayouf; Al-Shahrani, Osama Hawsawi, Omar Hawsawi, Al-Harbi; Otayf, Al-Faraj; Al-Shehri, Al-Jassim, Al-Dawsari; Al-Sahlawi

Odds (via BetFair)

Russia Win: 1/3

Saudi Arabia Win: 12/1

Draw: 4/1

Final Prediction – Russia 2-1 Saudi Arabia

It will be an interesting affair between both sides. Russia are similar to the conditions and have an advantage over their opponents. But Saudi Arabia could spring a surprise if they manage to be disciplined throughout the match.

Next: Highlighting the best World Cup matches of match-week 1

How do you think the opening match of this year’s World Cup will pan out?

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