That's it from us folks. We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the game. Join us tomorrow as Egypt face Uruguay at 5:30 pm, followed by Morocco vs Iran at 8:30 pm and Portugal vs Spain at 11:30 pm. Till then it's goodbye!
Cheryshev wins the Man of the Match award for his two-goal display.
FT -
What a game this has been! There wasn't much expected from the opener but boy have Russiamade sure they treat everyone to something special. Saudi looked promising at times butjust couldn't respond to the Russian attack.
93'
Russia win a free-kick25 yards from goal and Golovin steps up to take it. He curls the ball over the wall with his right foot and once again the Saudi keeper has no chance. That's 5-0 to Russia.
93' Goal - Russia 5 - 0 Saudi Arabia
(Golovin)
91'
The ball is floated towards the right flank and a Russian player knocks it into the path of super sub Denis Cheryshev. Cheryshevcontrols it well before slashingat it with the outside of his left boot, the shot is unstoppable as it flies over the keeper's head and into the back of the net. Russia get an unsurmountable 4-0 lead.
91' Goal - Russia 4 - 0 Saudi Arabia
(Cheryshev)
90' 3 mins added on:
Will Russia get a fourth goal here or can Saudi get a consolation goal?
88' Russia win a corner which they aren't in any rush to take. The ball is headed away by Saudi at the near post.
86'
This game seems to be over as a contest as Saudi still haven't manged to trouble the Russian keeper. Russia are doing well holding onto the ball and are also keeping their shape well in defense.
84' Substitution Saudi Arabia:
Muhammad Al-Sahlawi- off ;Muhammad Asiri- on.
81'
Block! Saudi's Al Sahlawi does well as he fetches a ball that was going towards the corner flag and brings it back into the penalty box before unleashing a shot at the Russian goal. The Russian keeper isn't called into action though as a defender get's his body in the way.
78' Substitution Saudi Arabia;
Al-Shehri - off ; HatanBahbri - on
77'
The tempers seem to be flaring as there is a clash between two playersat the touchline. The referee to quick to pause the proceedings and calm things down. The frustration is showing on the Saudi players now.
71'
Zobnin finds space at the edge of the area once again and he has time to send in a good cross aimed towards the 6ft 5in Dzyubawho had only just come on. He rises well above the defender and sends in his header into the bottom corner. No chance for the Saudi keeper there. 3-0 to Russia.
71' GOAL! Russia 3 - 0 Saudi Arabia
(Dzyuba)
70' Substitution, Russia
: Smolov - out ;Dzyuba- in
67'
Another opportunity! Zobvinfinds yards of space and he unleashes a low shot towards the Saudi goal which the keeper tries to hold onto but spills it, Smolovrushes towards the ball but it's cleared by a Saudi defender. A moment later and that could've been Russia's third goal of the tie.
65'
Chance! Golovin makes a quick run down the left and sends in a cross. Cheryshev who has been in the thick of the action since coming on in the first half gets in front of his marker but sends his header straight into the Saudi keepers hands.
64' Substitution Saudi Arabia:
Otayf- off ; Al Muwallad- on.
Attacking change for Saudi asOtayfgoesoff andAl Muwalladcomes on.
62'
We're past the hour mark and Russia have managed to hold on to their 2-0 lead. Saudi need to get some shots on target as Russian keeper Akinfeev hasn't had to make any significantsaves yet.
60'
Saudi are looking much better this half as they patiently build up their attacks. Could they mount a comeback here?
58'
Saudi win a free-kick in a good positiion and Al-Jassim sends the ball curling towards the center of the box. Al-Faraj rises to meet the ball but he cannot connect cleanly with it as the ball sails over the Russian goal.
55'
What a chance! Saudi enjoy an extended period of possession as they take their time building an attack passing the ball across the center of the field. Eventually the ball is whipped in from the right flank but despite attacking the ball at full stretch, Al-Jassimcannot connect with it as the ball makes it's way across the face of the goal.
51'
SHOT! Golovin is played in and he has time to tee up his shot. He lashes at the ball but cannot keep it down as it sails over the bar. Good forward play by the Russians.
49'
Smolov receives a lovely ball over the top from Zhirkov, he carries the ball towards the Saudi goal but is caught in time by the defenders and only wins a corner. Smolovsends resulting corner to the center of the penalty area but it iscleared away with ease by Saudi Arabia.
47'
Russia kick off the second half. Saudi are looking better at the start of the half as they are able to break down the Russian attack. Saudi however haven't managed to exert any pressure on the Russian goal.
The players walk out onto the pitch for the second half. Can Saudi Arabia pull themselves into this game and ruin Russia's party? We have the next 45 minutes to find out.
HALFTIME!
The Referee points towards the tunnel and the players make their way off the pitch. What a half it has been for Russia who although sawDzagoevlimp off with an injury, yet goals from Gazinskiy and the substitute Cheryshevhas given them a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the second half.
43'
Russia win the ball inside their own half and break down from the right. The winger cuts the ball to Smolov who is in the center of the pitch and he in turn picks out the substitute Cheryshev. The pass takes Cherychev away from goal towards the left side of the pitch but he does brilliantly as he lifts the ball over a sliding defender and then blasts his shot into the back of the net.
43' GOAL!
Denis Cheryshev
Russia 2 - 0 Saudi Arabia
40'
Russia win the ball on the left side of the pitch, Cheryshevmakes a mazy run towards the goal but it is Hawsawi this time who is on hand to disposses him.
35'
Was that a Penalty? A brilliant turn from Smolov helps him find some space in Saudi's half, he is brought down but the referee plays the advantage. Golovincarries the ball into the area and Osama puts in a well timed challenge to nick the ball away. Golovin raises his hands in appeal but the referee was well placed to spot that.
29'
Russia are caught off-side and the Saudi keeper launches the free-kick high almost reaching the edge of Russia's box where theAl Sahlawireceives the ball butis brought down at the edge of the area, winning a free-kick for his teamin a good position.Al Sahlawithen sends in thefree kick from the right side of the area but Hawsawicannot keep his header down.
27'
Saudi enjoy an extended spell of possession, they seem to be finally settling into the game. The ball was cut back from the right to Salem who couldn't keep his shot down sending it flying into the stands.
22'
INJURY! Russia break with a three-on-three but Dzagoevpulls up clutching his hamstring. It doesn't look good for the Russian who limps off the field and is replaced by Cheryshev.
20'
Saudi finally break down the left with Al Dawsari making a quick run into space, he sends in a cross towards Al Sahlawi who can only guide his header wide of the post. There seems to be a deflection there as the keeper signals for a corner.
19'
The Russians are growing increasingly confident here and are dominating the proceedings. Saudi have to find their feet soon here.
15' What a save!
Russia launch another counter attack and a defected shot was looping towards the back of the net, but the keeperAl-Mayoufstreches and clears the ball off the line with a big right hand.
12' GOAL! Russia score!
Russia win another corner and Saudi send the clearance back to the feet of Alexander Golovin who has enough time to send in aperfectly weighed crossfrom the left. Yuri Gazinskyrises above his marker and heads the ball past the hapless keeper. The hosts have taken the lead here.
8'
Russia win another corner, Zhirkov takes it again. He tries to pick out Alan Dzagoev, but he sends it too far and Yasser Al-Shahrani heads clear for Saudi Arabia.
6'
Russia have the first opportunity of the game. Russia's Zagoev sendsFernandes galloping down the left flank with a nicely weighted ball. Fernandes crosses
for Smolov, who struck from 12 yards out but his shot was well blocked.
4'
Saudi enjoying an extended spell of possession on the ball. They play the ball back to the keeper who is closed down immediately by the Russian striker, the keeper does well to release the ball to his defender on the left flank.
2'
Russia launch an attack down the left flank and win the first corner of the game, the Saudi defenders rise high and clear their lines.
AND WE'RE OFF! Saudi Arabia are immediately on the attack.
That's one picture you would want prominently displayed on your home wall.
The flags and the emblem are being carted off the pitch as the players assemble to have their team photos taken.
Finally the speeches are over and the national anthems are now being played. We're just minutes away from kick-off!
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stepped up to the podium to address football lovers all around the World.
Russian PresidentVladimir Putin is giving a welcome speech before the start of the game as the players are all lined up on the pitchand raring to go.
