Russia welcomed the world to its World Cup on Thursday with a quick, energetic opening ceremony that featured a giant fire bird made from crepe paper, English pop singer Robbie Williams flipping off the cameras, a lot of juggling and a speech from President Vladimir Putin. Russia’s national team then provided a historic encore, blowing out Saudi Arabia, 5-0, in one of the most lopsided World Cup openers ever. Efforts to downplay the enthusiasm afterward went largely unheeded. “It’s just the beginning, not the end,” Russian coach Stanislav Cherchesov cautioned,…
Read More2018 WORLD CUP: RUSSIA BATTERS SAUDI 5-0 IN OPENING MATCH
