1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup star, Austin Okocha, didn't hold back in his criticism of the Saudi Arabia team in the wake of their 5-0 loss to hosts Russia in the opening game of the 2018 World Cup.
Two goals from Denis Cheryshev, one each by Yuri Gazinskiy, Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Golovin gave the Russians the win, the second biggest by a host nation in their opening match in the history of the World Cup.
Speaking as an analyst on SuperSport following the match, Okocha said: ''Deservedly, they were beaten 5-0, I think they exposed the standard that they are playing at, the level of their league.
''If you are not playing competitive football week in, week out, you will struggle, you will get exposed.
''Their tactical discipline was nowhere to be found, their understanding of how to defend wasn't there. In as much as I was surprised, I am glad that we've gotten off to a great start.''
''If you are not playing competitive football week in, week out, you will struggle, you will get exposed.
''Their tactical discipline was nowhere to be found, their understanding of how to defend wasn't there. In as much as I was surprised, I am glad that we've gotten off to a great start.''
In the second round of matches in Group A, Russia will face Mohamed Salah's Egypt on June 19 in Saint Petersburg while Saudi Arabia battle Uruguay the following day in Rostov.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : fifa.com
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