Russia v Saudi Arabia, 14th June, 4pm(GMT)

[Steve_Wafc]

Golovin is a superb player. If no prem team comes in for him this summer, they’ve missed a trick. Saudi are basically like a sieve at the back.

 

[Chris FGR]

Agreed Golovin is class.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Have to say, I thought the pitch would be a better quality than this. It’s not the worst I’ve ever seen, but it’s a bit patchy in places.

 

[Chris FGR]

3G pitch isn't it?

 

[Steve_Wafc]

3G pitch isn't it?

Is it? I know it used to be, but I thought they said they relaid it for the World Cup?

 

[Chris FGR]

Is it? I know it used to be, but I thought they said they relaid it for the World Cup?

Actually think you're right. Might explain why it looks a bit patchy if it's been relaid recently?

 

[Chris FGR]

Another quality goal. Russia much better then I expected, they're battering a very decent side here.

Saudi's good on the ball, but a bit iffy at the back at times.

 

[AnimoEtFide]

I think Sergio Ramos must have elbowed Saudi's defence.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Some more terrible Saudi defending there..
Another thing is that their players just aren't physically strong enough to compete with their opponents. All of their set pieces look like they've been underhit but I think they've hit them with as much power as they could muster.

 

[epic73]

Has Golovin got 3 assists now? Surely he's the first player to do that in a World Cup?

 

[rudebwoyben]

First Mexican wave of the World Cup Finals.

 

[Chris FGR]

Especially with the way FGR often defended in their League 2 matches!

Actually Saudi do remind me a fair bit of us style wise, but obviously at a much higher standard. Lots of skilful players, like to play it out from the back but make a few mistakes doing it and also a bit lightweight and leak goals a bit too easily.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Actually Saudi do remind me a fair bit of us style wise, but obviously at a much higher standard. Lots of skilful players, like to play it out from the back but make a few mistakes doing it and also a bit lightweight and leak goals a bit too easily.

That's usually the mark of a side doomed to relegation!
I think your lot did toughen up a bit as the season went on though but I can't see any salvation for the Saudis.

 

[Bilo]

HOW CAN YOU CALL THE SAUDIS A DECENT SIDE

now my local club is in the second division in Sweden it's fair to say they're pretty shit and I think they'd do just fine against this Saudi team. They're atrocious.

 

[Chris FGR]

HOW CAN YOU CALL THE SAUDIS A DECENT SIDE

now my local club is in the second division in Sweden it's fair to say they're pretty shit and I think they'd do just fine against this Saudi team. They're atrocious.

They are quite skilfull. Got some pace in the team as well. Just need to improve their defence.

 

[Bilo]

They're about as organized as the Prem section in its glory days but sure. League 2 can't be very good.

 

[rudebwoyben]

They're about as organized as the Prem section in its glory days but sure. League 2 can't be very good.

League 2 teams that have played like Saudi have tended to have been eaten up alive by the other teams in the division. The ability to play a few nice triangular moves in the centre of the pitch does not make a good team. They don't move the ball around quickly enough in attack and none of their players make any runs beyond the opposition defence.

What a finish!

 

[Chris FGR]

Another quality goal. Russia on fire here.

 

[Benji]

That was offside, so how come no VAR is used?

 

[rudebwoyben]

That is a fabulous free kick by Golovin!

 

[Chris FGR]

Wow Golovin cracking free kick.

One of the best performances ever by a team in an opening match of a World Cup?

Definitely the best I've ever seen. Keep this up and Russia could be dark horses.

 

[epic73]

Glad I got Golovin in my fantasy team.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Saudi got that horribly wrong didn't they. You're playing the host in the opening game, of course you're going to face an early storm. Saudi's seemed unprepared for it. Worst thing that happens is you concede early and then have to push up and expose the defence that now looks beyond ropey.

Great for the hosts to get into the tournament. And a belting game!

 

[Bilo]

That fourth goal was bloody brilliant. Outside of the foot, far top corner. The most beautiful of goals.

The world cup is here!

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Actually Saudi do remind me a fair bit of us style wise, but obviously at a much higher standard. Lots of skilful players, like to play it out from the back but make a few mistakes doing it and also a bit lightweight and leak goals a bit too easily.

Neat and tidy over the halfway line, but ultimately toothless in the final third. And like I said.. a sieve.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Wow Golovin cracking free kick.

One of the best performances ever by a team in an opening match of a World Cup?

Definitely the best I've ever seen. Keep this up and Russia could be dark horses.

I think we need to see them play against a team which has some attacking and defensive ability (i.e Uruguay) before anyone can say that.
Saudi Arabia were the most obliging opponents for an opening that you could have.

 

[epic73]

Fantastic match to kick it off. Cheryshev and especially Golovin were excellent, 4th and 5th goals were great.

 

[AnimoEtFide]

Wow Golovin cracking free kick.

One of the best performances ever by a team in an opening match of a World Cup?

Definitely the best I've ever seen. Keep this up and Russia could be dark horses.

Yes. Like you say, the Saudi's just need to strengthen in defence and they'll go far.

 

[Predator373]

Bloody hell Russia destroyed Saudi lol their defence is awful. That number 18 for Saudi looks a good talent though, very fast and technical.

 

[Chris FGR]

Yes. Like you say, the Saudi's just need to strengthen in defence and they'll go far.

Agreed. Bit more physicality would help too, but some promising signs. Some nice triangles in midfield.