Three Saudi players face a "penalty" when they return home following a 5-0 defeat to Russia

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Russia kicked off their World Cup campaign in style when they thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the tournament's opening match in Moscow on Thursday.

But officials in the Middle Eastern country – including the Saudi Football Federation chief Adel Ezzat - warned that 'penalties' await some players when they return home, prompting fears of corporal punishment.

Mr Ezzat said the performance in Moscow fell well below expectation, but it still remains unclear what "penalty" he was referring to.

Mr Ezzat, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Youm Assabaa, said: "We are very disappointed by the defeat."