World Cup 2018: Stanislav Cherchesov received a call from Vladimir Putin afeter 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia

Host country for World Cup 2018 Russia defeated Saudi Arabia beating them 5-0 . It became the biggest win in any World Cup opening since 1934. Stanislav Cherchesov's team had not won in their past seven matches and had been criticised from all sides, including a series of barbed comments from Russian president Vladimir Putin. However, the president himself called Cherchesov after the match to  congratulate him with the win during post-match interview. 'It was the head of state who called me with congratulations,' Cherchesov said. 'He asked me to share his thanks with the team and to keep them playing like this.' But Cherchesov is aware there are tougher tests ahead – Egypt and Mohamed Salah are the next opponents on Tuesday. 'We made the first step today, then there is a stronger opponent,' Cherchesov added. 'We don't know if Salah is going to play but even without him they are a respectably strong team.' The win gives Russia a real chance of qualifying from the group stage.

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