Group A: Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Iury Gazinsky scored after 12 minutes and Denis Cheryshev added a second before the break after coming on as an injury replacement for Alan Dzagoev. 

Artem Dzuyba netted a third before terrific late efforts from Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin wrapped up Russia's first win since October to launch their Group A campaign in style. 

For Saudi Arabia it was a return to the global showpiece for the first time in 12 years, with their only previous finals wins at the 1994 World Cup.

Only South Africa, in 2010, have failed to advance from the group stage as the host nation and a seven-match winless run had ramped up the pressure on Stanislav Cherchesov's side.