Russia´s Gazinskiy scores first goal of World Cup

Yuri Gazinskiy scored the opening goal of the World Cup to give hosts Russia a great start to the tournament.

With 12 minutes on the clock at Luzhniki Stadium, Gazinskiy placed a fine header home from Aleksandr Golovin’s left-wing cross.

Russia started on top in Moscow, but the goal came from the first effort on target of the match.

It was also a landmark moment for Gazinskiy as it was his first international goal for Russia.

1 – Yuri Gazinskiy scored with the first shot on target at #Russia2018. Opener. #WorldCup

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2018

However, there was a blow for Russia mid-way through the first half as star playmaker Alan Dzagoev limped off.

Dzagoev appeared to pull a hamstring off the ball and could be a doubt for the rest of the tournament.