Russia vs Saudi Arabia World Cup 2018 as it happened: Latest score, goals and updates as hosts lead in Moscow
The hosts kick off the tournament and win 5-0 at the Luhzniki Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.After months of anticipation, World Cup 2018 finally gets underway on Thursday as hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Little is expected of Russia at the tournament, but their best chance of qualifying for the knockout stage involves beating a nation making their first World Cup appearance since 2006.
Saudi Arabia enter the competition led by their third coach in less than a year, and know only a positive result against Russia will give them hope of being competitive in a wide open Group A.
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What time is kick-off?
Russia vs Saudi Arabia kicks off at 4pm.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast live on ITV. Coverage begins with the opening ceremony at 2:30pm.
Odds:
Russia: 7/15
Saudi Arabia: 10/1
Draw: 37/10
Prediction:
Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia: The hosts will get the positive start they so desperately want, but it won’t be easy.
I've heard a lot of people suggest in recent months that the way Russia are behaving is in danger of dragging us back to the dark ages...
...but I had no idea they meant Robbie Williams.
Robbie fires out all the hits in quickfire succession. Let Me Entertain You, Angels, erm...the other one.
Putin's interpreter sounds like Arthur Lowe when he used to narrate the Mr. Men cartoons.
From one megalomaniac to another, following Putin's address is FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.
Still, at least it's not Sepp Blatter, hey?
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