2018 marks the return of the world's famous soccer season as World Cup kicks off today on 14th June in Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. The host country Russia is kicking off its first game opposite to its first international opponent Saudi Arabia. So, here are all the stats on the very first group stage match between Russia and Saudi Arabia along with a possible line up, kick off time and betting odds and players to watch from both sides.

Russia world cup 2018 should possibly be the most awaited football events all around the globe, and the magic of this sports has once again united the world where everyone is seen picking their favorites, so which of these two countries is?

As per different football pundits and players, Russia has the upper hand on today's game hence Saudi Arabia is termed as an underdog.

The odd betting ranges from 1:6 to 1:10 for Saudi Arabia so fans who are willing to risk their money and make high-end yields are suggested to bet on Saudi Arabia as football is a very unpredictable game, a single goal can decide the turn of events for either of the teams.

Further, Russia has another advantage of having its home ground. Hence fan's support will entirely be on Russian's side as well.



CAPTION: Luzhniki Stadium Russia, Moscow SOURCE: Google

It might come as a surprise but Russia is the lowest ranked nations on the chart, but the nation of 123 million people have altered the stats as they are ready to put on the fireworks against Saudi Arabia in 2018 world cup whereas Saudi Arabia is the second lowest in the line to make it to the Worldcup.

Here is the possible lineup for the opening game from both the teams:

Team Russia will possibly have Igor Akinfeev; Mario Fernandes, Fedor Kudryashov, Sergey Ignashevich, Yuri Zhirkov; Roman Zobnin, Daler Kuzyaev, Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Samedov, Aleksandr Golovin; Fedor Smolov.

Whereas Team Saudi Arabia will highlight players like Abdullah Al-Mayouf; Usamah Husawi, Omar Hosawi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Mohammed Al-Barik; Abdullah Otif, Salman Al-Faraj, Yahya Al-Shihri, Taisir Al-Jassim, Salem Al Dosari; Fahad Al Muwallad.

As for kick off time, the regular game will start after the inauguration ceremony at 4 pm UK time, 3:30 pm BST. The game will stream live from ITV website and BBC 5, will continuously provide the live commentary.

Let's get to know some players to watch from both the teams

Saudi Arabian squad is trying to put the best lineup possible along with Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, Fahad Al Muwallad and the most experienced 35 years old footballer Osama Hawsawi with the experience of 135 caps can be some of the players to watch this evening from the first Asian team representing WC 2018.



CAPTION: Saudi Arab's Players to watch SOURCE: Google

Saudi Arabian midfielder Yahya Al-Shehri has outed a statement claiming that they still got time to study Russia's game.

He further said:

"First of all, we must focus on our own game. I hope, we will be able to beat Russia".

Whereas Russia will highlight some of its players like Fedor Smolov (FC Krasnodar Striker), Aleksandr Golovin who plays for CSKA Moscow. 28 years old Fedor Smolov so far has netted 52 goals from his last three seasons in Russia's top flight will be ready to put on some show for Russian fans this night.



CAPTION: Players to watch on the Russian Side Aleksandr Golovin (red) Fedor Smolov(Black) SOURCE: Google

In the tern of events, Russia's Artem Dzyuba has outed another statement saying:

"We are preparing for the tournament; we want to win, for us, this is the main event in our lives, we need the support of the whole country… We will fight, we will struggle, and you will judge us then."

Stanislav Cherchesov, a former national team goalkeeper, is managing the Russian side since August 2016 and is faithful that the team does well to group stages.

Juan Antonio Pizzi also has outed a statement proving that Saudi Arabia is ready to accept any challenge that Russian side brings to the table saying:

There are very few opportunities for professionals like me to express and we are the chosen one to play in this historic event, and regarding the team and squad, we are very excited and hopeful for the positive outcome.

Also Read Russia World-cup 2018 Russia Vs. Saudi Arabia Official Result

The match marks a true battle of the Underdogs and we are moments away from knowing the result of the very first match of 2018 world cups' opening.

Final Result

Russia made an outstanding victory in the opening match with the final score of the 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia.

Yuri Gazinsky became the first scorer of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after scoring the opening goal for Russian side in the 12th minute. The second goal for Russia gave a shout out after Dzageov's replacement Denis Cheryshev netted the goal in 43rd minute.

In the first half, the ball possession for Russia was around 56%, whereas Saudi Arabia held the position for around 44%.

In the 26th minute of the second half, the substitute of Fyodor Smolov, the jersey number 22 player Artem Dzyuba scored the third goal for Russia after 1 minutes and 29 seconds of entry.

Scoring 4th goal and 2nd for himself, Denis Cheryshev settled 4-0 for Russia in the +1 minute.

Later in the last hour, Aleksandr Golovin won a free kick in the edge of the box and changed it into a goal making his second ever international career goal and sealing the game with the 5-0 win.