World Cup 2018 player ratings: Saudi Arabia thumped 5-0 in Russia opener

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  • Substitute Denis Cheryshev and rising CSKA Moscow star Aleksandr Golovin were the heroes for hosts Russia when World Cup 2018 got under way as they helped inflict a 5-0 thrashing on Saudi Arabia, helping erase plentiful pre-match apathy in the process.

    Stanislav Cherchesov’s men came in as the lowest-ranked nation in the tournament (70) and were widely expected to endure a sorry time in Group A. But in front of President Vladimir Putin at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, they put the pliant Saudis to the sword.

    Krasnodar midfielder Yury Gazinsky headed in the first goal with the first attempt on target of the tournament on 12 minutes. Cheryshev then soon fired into the roof of the goal against ramshackle opponents after coming off the bench for the injured Alan Dzagoev.

    A trio of goals followed in the second half. Giant replacement Artem Dzyuba headed in on 71 minutes, before Cheryshev’s stunning goal with the outside of his boot and Golovin’s perfect free-kick added to the rout in injury time.

    Here are our Saudi Arabia player ratings:

    SAUDI ARABIA (4-2-3-1)

    Abdullah Al Mayouf – 5: The Al Hilal shot stopper should have been braver to charge down Cheryshev for the second. Otherwise, dealt well with Russia’s attempts.

    Mohammed Al Breik – 5: The Hilal right-back was a surprise recall, in favour of Al Ahli Jeddah’s Mansoor Al Harbi. Didn’t cover himself in glory when he recklessly slid in to allow Cheryshev through.

    Osama Hawsawi – 5: The experienced, 34-year-old skipper was meant to represent a pillar of strength and he did lead the way for the Saudis with five tackles. Yet he couldn’t make a true impression on the Russian attackers.

    Omar Hawsawi – 5: The step-up for the Al Nassr centre-back appeared to prove too much. Was all at sea, throughout – especially for Cheryshev’s first.

    Yasser Al Shahrani – 5: Russia had obviously studied the tape from the defeat to Germany. His adventurous play from full-back leaves gap, plus he has a propensity to get caught out under the high ball. This was key to the opener.

    Abdullah Otayf – 5: The anchorman has his qualities on the ball, averaging more than 85-per-cent pass completion. But his lack of physicality made the midfield battle a lost one before kick-off. Pulled soon after the hour mark.

    Salman Al Faraj – 6: Usually such a classy operator for Hilal and Saudi Arabia. Was only the best of a bad bunch on Thursday.

    Yahya Al Shehri – 4: The diminutive winger – the smallest player in the competition – had grown in stature after strong displays in the warm-ups against Italy and Germany. But he was woeful here, repeatedly losing the ball in dangerous positions. Lucky to last 73 minutes.

    Taisir Al Jassim – 5: Slip was key to the concession of the first goal. The 33-year-old Al Ahli Jeddah veteran was also utterly ineffectual in an attacking sense, contributing no shots or key passes.

    Salem Al Dawsari – 6: Brings an air of excitement and unpredictability. Simply couldn’t get on the ball enough to make the most of his talents and got frustrated.

    Mohammad Al Sahlawi – 4: Tried to run the channels and get involved, his presence in the middle also forcing an uncomfortable early defensive header. Yet his very presence robbed Saudi of a key asset – pace. Should have been removed before 85 minutes.

    SUBS

    Fahad Al Muwallad – 6: How different it could have been if the Al Ittihad man’s raw speed had been utilised from the start.

    Hattan Bahebri – 6: Made little impression with his time on the park.

    Muhannad Assiri – 6: A like-for-like change with Al Sahlawi did little for the Saudi cause as they went 4-4-2 at the death.

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