Aleksandr Golovin was highlighted as the big hope for hosts Russia, and on the first chance he got, he showed why.
The CSKA Moscow midfielder, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League, justified the hype with a performance that included two assists and a goal in Russia’s 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Here’s a look at the Hero of the Day from the tournament’s opening match.
KEY STATS
30-SECOND REPORT
Golovin lived up to his billing as Russia’s star player. He was at the heart of all of Russia’s best attacking play, setting up a teammate for an easy header twice and capping off a stellar night with an inch-perfect free kick.
Russia have been viewed as heavy underdogs in their home tournament – they’re the lowest-ranked team at the tournament – but as long as Golovin can produce performances like this, they’ll always be in with a chance.
GOT RIGHT
The 22-year-old’s movement was perfect, as he always popped up in the right place at the right time to receive the ball, set off an attack, or deliver a killer pass. Allied with his vision, that movement was deadly.
He got his delivery from crosses and set-pieces spot-on as well, setting up two goals and creating many more chances. Just to punctuate that point, when he got a good shooting chance from a dead-ball situation, he converted it beautifully.
GOT WRONG
There’s almost nothing to fault in Golovin’s performance on Thursday. A hesitancy to shoot, perhaps, as he only took one shot all game, and that came in the 93rd minute.
Given that this lone shot resulted in a goal, he’d be well within his rights to let loose more often. In a different game, his reluctance to shoot could cost Russia – Uruguay and Egypt are unlikely to be as accommodating opponents as Saudi Arabia were in the opener.
SPORT360 VERDICT
It’s not easy being a 22-year-old and having the weight of an entire country on your shoulders, with the whole world watching. Neymar was in a similar position four years ago when Brazil hosted the tournament, and Golovin’s burden as the brightest spark in an underwhelming team on home territory is somewhat similar.
But he passed his first test with flying colours, delivering a superlative performance to drive Russia to victory. Golovin rose to the occasion when it counted.
RATING – 10/10
