Max Rushden is joined by guests in the studio and in Russia to discuss the 2018 World Cup opener, Robbie Williams, the facial hair of Stalin, Spain’s self-implosion and Friday’s games

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The World Cup is finally under way!

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning and John Brewin in the studio to dissect the first day’s play, starting with the tournament opener, Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia.

Barney Ronay is on the line from Moscow with his verdict on the game, the goals and the opening ceremony in which Robbie Williams wheeled through a greatest hits medley.

In part two, Sid Lowe joins us on the phone to talk Spain, who have already had an interesting World Cup – losing their manager yesterday, kicking off against Portugal tomorrow. We also look ahead to Morocco v Iran, the other game in Spain’s group, and Uruguay v Egypt, the day’s early kick-off.

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