FX.co ★ From Saudi Arabia to Croatia: how Russia fought at the 2018 World Cup

Saudi Arabia became the first rival of Russia at the final games of the 2018 World Cup. It was the opening match of the championship.

During the match between the national teams of Russia and Saudi Arabia at the World Cup in Moscow, June 14, 2018.

The Russian national team beat guests from Saudi Arabia with a score of 5:0. Goals were scored by Artem Dzyuba, Yuri Gazinsky, Alexander Golovin and Denis Cheryshev, twice.

Head coach of the Russian national team Stanislav Cherchesov was appointed to this post on July 11, 2016. As a football player, Cherchesov twice became the champion of the USSR and Russia, three times - the champion of Austria. He participated in two world championships and two European championships.

He started the coaching career in 2004 in an Austrian club. In different years he coached the Russian teams, including Spartak, that became the silver medalist of the Russian championship in 2007. When he was a coach of the Polish club "Legia", it won the championship and the Polish Cup.

The Egyptian national team became the next rival of the Russians. The game took place on June 19 at the St. Petersburg stadium.

Russia beat Egypt with a score of 3:1 and virtually guaranteed a way to the playoffs of the tournament. The goals were scored by Russian players Artem Dzyuba and Denis Cheryshev.

The goals were scored by Russian players Artem Dzyuba and Denis Cheryshev.

Cheryshev was recognized as the best player of matches Russia - Saudi Arabia and Russia - Egypt. The 27-year-old footballer of the Spanish Villarreal club even took first place in the race of the scorers of the championship. He shared his position with the captain of the Portuguese team, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Head coach of the Egyptian national football team, Hector Cuper, after the defeat in the match with the Russians, noted that the hosts of the World Cup have a workable team.

Team Russia rejoices over the victory over the national team of Egypt.

Fans during the match between the national teams of Russia and Egypt at the World Cup in St. Petersburg, June 19, 2018.

Fans on the streets of St. Petersburg after the match between the national teams of Russia and Egypt at the World Cup in St. Petersburg, June 19, 2018.

In the next group stage tournament, a major victory over the Russian team was gained by Uruguay (0:3). However, this did not prevent the Russian team from entering the playoffs of the home championship.

Russia's first game in the playoffs of the championship was a match with the Spanish national team which took place on July 1 at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium.

The main and additional time of the match ended in a draw 1:1. In the series of post-match penalties, the Russians scored all five goals in the opponent's goal, and Igor Akinfeev was able to protect the goals from the Spaniards Iago Aspas and Koke.

During the 1/8 finals match of the World Cup between the national teams of Spain and Russia.

For the first time, Russia beat the team of Spain and for the first time got to the quarterfinal of the World Cup. The whole country celebrated the double victory of the players.

Goalkeeper of the Russian national team Igor Akinfeev during the penalty series in the match of the 1/8 finals of the World Cup between the national teams of Spain and Russia.

Players of the Russian national team after winning the match of the 1/8 finals of the FIFA World Cup between the national teams of Spain and Russia.

Player of the Spanish national team Sergio Ramos after losing in the match of the 1/8 finals of the World Cup between the national teams of Spain and Russia.

In the 1/4 finals of the World Cup, the Russian national football team met with the Croatian team at the Fisht stadium in Sochi.

The main and additional time of the meeting ended with a score of 2:2. Denis Cheryshev scored on the 31st minute of the match and Mario Fernandez on the 115th minute.

In the penalty shootout, the Croatians won with a score of 4:3. Wards of Stanislav Cherchesov completed their performance at Mundial losing to the Croatian team in the penalty series.

According to the performance results, the Russian national team was the best team in defense of the World Cup. Denis Cheryshev got into the top 3 most productive players, and Roman Zobnin became the best player in the championship on running.

The final of the World Cup will be held July 15 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.