Denis Cheryshev makes history for Russia in opener

Denis Cheryshev made World Cup history when he became the first sub to score in the opening match. He added a second as Russia won 5-0 over Saudi Arabia.

Denis Cheryshev entered the World Cup opening match for Russia in the 24th minute as a replacement for the injured Alan Dzagoev. The Villarreal winger might have sealed his place in the starting XI for Russia after belting in two goals in the 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the spark provided by Cheryshev, the Russians secured a crucial three points against the Saudi side.

Cheryshev cracked a howler of a first goal. Getting the ball on the left side of the Saudi box, Cheryshev worked through two defenders. He then switched onto his left foot before uncorking a left-footed blast into the top of the net past Abdullah Al-Mayouf. That goal doubled Russia’s lead to 2-0 right before halftime. That goal set a World Cup record as the first-ever goal scored by a substitute in the opening match of the tournament.

His second World Cup goal might have been even prettier. Working off a free-kick in their own half, Russia held a 3-0 lead late in the second half. The hosts belted the ball upfield, and it was headed back in from the touchline onto Cheryshev. The winger ran on with the ball on his right foot, then coolly rolled it to his left and curled past Al-Mayouf with the outside of his foot.

With the 5-0 victory, Russia set themselves up well in the Group A standings. The Russians secured a crucial three points in a tough group that includes Uruguay and Egypt. But, perhaps more importantly, they also bolstered their goal differential. That could prove critical in determining which two teams advance out of this group.

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Thanks to a crack performance by Cheryshev, Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov has some peace of mind heading into the next few matches. Depending on the severity of the hamstring injury suffered by Dzagoev, he could be out for the rest of the tournament. Either way, Cheryshev will likely get the nod in the starting 11 when Russia takes the pitch for their second Group A match against Egypt on June 19.