Luzhniki Stadium in Russia, also one of the largest stadiums in Europe that hosted Olympic games in 1980, came to life when it hosted the World Cup 2018 opening events Thursday.

The World Cup 2018 will see 32 teams from across the world play in 11 different cities of Russia. A total of seven matches, including the final, will be played in the Luzhniki stadium.

The stadium that has capacity of 81,000 was almost filled with spectators.

Of the five teams participating in the championship from Asia in this edition of the World Cup, Saudi Arabia took on the host nation. Russia nailed it 5-0.

Russia’s Denis Cheryshev, current Villarreal winger, came in substitution to score a brace and was named the man of the match.

Entering the campaign in a confident note, it took only 12 minutes for Russia to score the opener.

The opening ceremony in Luzhniki Stadium featured former Brazil striker Ronaldo escorted by a child and the official world cup mascot, Zabivaka, that represent a wolf in brown fur, wearing shirt adorned with the words “RUSSIA 2018”.

The celebration scene of World Cup at the oldest and most visited place of Red Square and Kremlin that hold a greater significance in the political trait and history of Russia were filled with the songs of different nations, languages and flags with the fans from across the world.

Nima