World Cup premiere with a host win

Russia, as the hosts, participate to the World Cup's final stage without qualification games. They haven't played an official game for the last two years and that will probably affect the way they will perform. Their coach chose difficult opponents in preparation games, like Argentina (0-1), Spain (3-3), Brazil (0-3) and France (1-3). Awfull results for sure, but all these teams were much superior than their current opponent at the premiere Saudi Arabia. Stress will be definitely on Russians side, since they are playing in front of their fans and they will do their best for the win that will open their way to qualification.

After two absences in a row from the World Cup's final stage, Saudi Arabia are playing in Russia this year. Their quality is average and their friendly game against the National team of Greece wasn't remarkable, despite their 2-0 win. They will try to have a decent presence, since they've never qualified to the knokout stage before. Against their opponent, hosts Russia, will have a difficult task and they have to try hard for a possitive result.

Russia has to win to have a good start. Saudi Arabia aren't able to cope with this game, being in the same group with Uruguay and Egypt, they have less chances for the qualification. Home team is surely stressed but I think that they will make happy their fans. Odds on home win are at low but quite decent 1.45.