Goals of the Russia 2018 World Cup - 1 Quiz

Answer: Yuri Gazinsky

Russia v Saudi Arabia was the opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and it was played on June 14, 2018. At the 11 minute mark, midfielder Aleksandr Golovin crossed powerfully after a corner kick, and his teammate Yuri Gazinsky scored the goal with a header. This instance marked Gazinsky's first goal with the Russia national team, and he became the third player to score the first goal of a World Cup with the head, after France's Lacombe in 1978 and Cameroon's Omam-Biyick in 1990.

Yury Gazinsky made his debut with FC Smena Komsomolsk-na-Amure in 2007, where he scored 10 goals. After playing for Luch-Energiya and FC Torpedo Moscow, both of the Russian Professional League, he was signed for FC Krasnodar in 2013. He began playing for the Russia national squad in 2016.

Answer: Denis Cheryshev

Even though the Russians were concerned about Dzagoev's injury, Cheryshev proved to be a very valuable substitute. The winger, who was signed by Spanish club Villareal in 2016, was assisted by Zobnin at 42', made a great dribbling move against Saudi defenders, and then kicked a powerful shot into the net for the second Russian goal of the match. Cheryshev became the first-ever substitute to score in a World Cup opening match, and the fifth substitute to score in the first half of any World Cup match, after France's Dugarry, Argentina's Cambiasso, Italy's Materazzi and Greece's Samaris.

Cheryshev joined the youth squad of Real Madrid in 2002, and played for Real Madrid B (also known as Real Madrid Castilla) from 2009 to 2013. Even though he belonged to Real Madrid from 2012 to 2016, he was out on loans to Sevilla, Villareal and Valencia. Villareal eventually brought him back as a transfer in 2016.

Answer: With a header

The stadium went crazy when Artem Dzyuba, who had just replaced Fedor Smolov 88 seconds before, was assisted by Golovin to score the third goal and seal the match. Dzyuba headed the ball over the Saudi defenders, leaving the keeper with no chance of stopping the ball. This was the first time in World Cup history that Russia scored at least two goals with the head in one match. Interestingly, Saudi Arabia conceded its 14th header goal in World Cups in their 14th match.

Artem Dzyuba has played with Russia since 2006, when he debuted in the under-18 squad. He belonged to Spartak Moscow from 2006 to 2015, a period in which he was also loaned to Tom Tomsk and Rostov. In 2015, he was transferred to Zenit St. Petersburg, and loaned to Arsenal Tula in 2018.

Answer: Artem Szyuba

Although according to some broadcasters Artem Szyuba was apparently in an off-side position, he passed the ball to Denis Cheryshev, who was chosen as man of the match at the end. Cheryshev scored a wonderful goal, with the Luzhniki Stadium erupting again as this happened.

The Russian crowd was certainly happy to see their team winning 4-0. Cheryshev continued to make history, becoming the tenth player in history to score two goals in a World Cup opening match. Before Cheryshev, the last one to do it was Neymar in 2014 with Brazil.

Answer: Free kick

The second last-minute goal of the match was courtesy of Aleksandr Golovin, who had a great performance in this game. Taiseer Al Jassam fouled Golovin outside the box, leading referee Nestor Pitana to call the free kick. Golovin didn't hesitate and took a chance at the free kick, which ended up being successful.

History was made, since Golovin became the first player in World Cup history to score a free kick in an opening match. He also became the first player to score 1 or more goals and give 2 or more assists in an opening match.

Answer: Jose Maria Gimenez

Jose Maria Gimenez, Uruguayan defender born in 1995, first played in Danubio, and was then signed by Spanish club Atletico de Madrid in 2013. Russia 2018 was his second World Cup, after participating in Brazil 2014. He was part of the Atletico squad that won the Spanish League and Supercup in 2014, as well as the 2018 edition of the Europa League.

After a cross by Carlos Sanchez, who entered as a substitute, Gimenez scored with the head, giving Uruguay the win. This was the first time since 1970 that Uruguay won their first match at the World Cup.

Answer: Aziz Bouhaddouz

In a very unfortunate play, Bouhaddouz (a forward) attempted to get the ball away from the box with the head, but instead, ended up scoring a goal. Jared Borgetti of Mexico, also a forward, did a similar mistake in 2006 against Argentina. Unfortunately for Bouhaddouz and Morocco, who in my opinion were the better team, Iran only needed this goal to finish the first Group B match-day as group leaders!

Aziz Bouhaddouz, like many members of the 2018 Moroccan national team, was born in Morocco but moved to Germany as a baby. He started his professional career with FSV Frankfurt in 2006, and was signed in 2016 by FC St. Pauli.

Answer: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, considered to be one of the best soccer players of modern times, has been one to watch since he played his first World Cup in 2006. After a successful run with Manchester United, he was transferred to Real Madrid, for a record-breaking transfer fee.

As the game was just beginning, Spain's Nacho Fernandez extended his leg, and the Italian referee didn't hesitate to call a penalty. The play was controversial, since some claimed Ronaldo dived and VAR was not used. Ronaldo executed the penalty perfectly, giving Portugal an early 1-0 advantage.

Answer: Spain

Diego Costa was born in Lagarto, Brazil in 1988. His career interestingly began in Portugal, playing for Braga and Penafiel. After that, he was purchased by Atletico de Madrid and went out on several loans before going back. After a brief stint in Valladolid, he returned to Atletico once again and after three years with Chelsea, he returned to Atletico for a third time in 2018. Even though Costa played two friendlies with Brazil, he obtained Spanish citizenship and FIFA regulations allowed for him to change national teams. Brazil soccer officials declared Costa "persona non grata".

Costa's goal was controversial because many claimed there was a foul on Portuguese defender Pepe before scoring. Just like the penalty, the play was not checked by VAR. After a long pass by Sergio Busquets, Costa was able to score his first World Cup goal.

Answer: David De Gea

At the 44th minute, when the match was tied 1-1, Cristiano Ronaldo gave us another reason why he is considered to be one of the best soccer players in the world. After his penalty goal, he had already helped develop several plays, including an assist that should have been a goal. Then, Guedes gave a good pass to Ronaldo, who kicked the ball from outside the box and defeated goalkeeper David De Gea, after the ball slipped from his hands.

David de Gea began his career with Atletico de Madrid, where he played since he was 13-years-old. De Gea was transferred to Manchester United, a team that needed to cover the retirement of longtime goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.