Gazinskyi: Gets 2018 World Cup rolling

Netting the opening goal at a World Cup is a surefire way to make headlines - and Russian midfielder Yuri Gazinskyi can now stick his name on an exclusive list that includes the likes of Marcelo, Tshbalala and Lahm.

1⃣ Scorers of the 1ST ⚽ at recent World Cups:
2018: 🇷🇺 GAZINSKYI
2014: 🇧🇷 Marcelo (pb)
2010: 🇿🇦 Tshbalala
2006: 🇩🇪 Lahm
2002: 🇸🇳 Diop
1998: 🇧🇷 C. Sampaio
1994: 🇩🇪 Klinsmann
1990: 🇨🇲 Oman Biyik
1986: 🇮🇹 Altobelli
1982: 🇧🇪 van der Bergh#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/g1eWPRxuC2

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) 14 de junio de 2018

Inkeeping with tradition, World Cup hosts Russia avoided an opening game defeat - smashing five past a Saudi Arabia side that faded badly after a bright start.

Gazinsky opened the scoring with his landmark effort - netting his first goal for his country in only his seventh international. 

Check out @playmaker_EN for all your World Cup stats this summer - and be sure to visit thefinalball.com to keep abreast of every kick in Russia. Click here for the running order.