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#4 "The first goal of World Cup 2018 Russia, is a Russian Goal!"
The first goal of the FIFA World Cup in Russia was, fittingly, a Russian goal. They were the first to go into space all those years ago and it felt like they'd accomplished something which rivals that fear when Yuri (the irony!) Gazinsky put the hosts ahead through a towering header in the 12th minute of the game.
Russia have been vilified back home for their recent performances and the lack of challenge on the Russian front in the world of football. The fact that they managed to get the first goal in the tournament, and more importantly on the night, meant that the pressure to deliver was off them and they could enjoy their football. That they evidently did through the remainder of the game.
They went on to press home the advantage of the first goal and, as a result, blew past Saudi Arabia in the opening fixture of the biggest sporting event on the planet.
