Russian Panache

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the FIFA World Cup open after a colourful opening ceremony at the 81,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium here on Thursday.

"The love of football unites the world in one team, independent of language or ideology," the Russian president stated during his speech, as reported by Sputnik news agency.

Putin said he hoped fans, players and officials enjoy their stay in Russia during the World Cup, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Football is truly loved here and it is called love at first sight, since our first official match here in 1897," Putin said.

"I hope fans and teams enjoy their stay in Russia, an open, hospitable and friendly country with people who have the shared values. 

Football brings us altogether in one team, we are united by this spectacular game," he added. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino also addressed the gathering. 

Flying start

Moscow: Host Russia began their FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, registering an easy 5-0 victory over minnows Saudi Arabia in a Group A game here on Thursday.

Yuri Gazinskiy (12th minute), Denis Cheryshev (43rd, 90+1), Artem Dzyuba (71st) and Aleksandr Golovin (90+4) scored for the hosts.