Saudi Arabia's finest World Cup moment?

(Yes)

Watch as Saeed Al-Owairan beats everyone in his path - albeit some half-hearted tackles - to score an outstanding goal from his own half during their group game against Belgium in 1994.

Matt Cooke: I can't see out of my office for the next month. But the mother of all wallcharts is ready

Image source, Matt Cooke on Twitter

Love that

BBC Monitoring
The world through its media

Image source, .

Expectations are low in Russia of their team having a good tournament.

South Africa in 2010 remain the only World Cup hosts to go out in the group stage.

Only "a miracle" can save Russia from crashing out early, according to Alexander Sedov, sports writer with Gazeta.ru.

"Bravo, bravo!" one social media user tweeted with sarcasm. "We were awarded the right to hold a WC as early as 2010 and in eight years not only have we not created a good team, but we have degenerated!"

A poll by the state-funded VTsIOM pollster suggests only 20% of Russians expect their team to make it to the last 16. That said, 11% believe they can win the World Cup.

Read more here.

This game is being played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and you can find out about the stadium with this video from the Saudi Arabia team's Twitter account.

Spain legend Iker Casillas and Russian supermodel/philanthropist Natalia Vodianova have just brought the World Cup trophy out onto the pitch.

It's probably good Russia and Saudi Arabia fans can get a good look at it now as they won't be seeing it again.

Elmir: Good luck Russia! Let’s beat the Saudis

Kathryn: Weirdly I'm actually quite looking forward to the World Cup this year, time to see if ENG can make some waves

Image source, Reuters

A wolf called Zabivaka is the 2018 Fifa World Cup mascot.

Fifa has really put a lot of work into writing his background.

"Zabivaka means 'the one who scores' in Russian, a very suitable name for this wolf who radiates fun, charm and confidence.

"He is the youngest in a big family of Siberian grey wolves. He lives with his 4 brothers, 5 sisters, mum, dad, aunts, uncles and cousins.

"He helps his grandparents, who live close by, to clear the snow from their driveway in winter and to take care of their garden in the summer. When he was a little wolf, his mother read him many bedtime stories. ZABIVAKA™ is a big fan of stories by the famous Russian writer Pavel Bazhov."

Paul Fletcher
BBC Sport in Moscow

....half and half scarves have arrived at the World Cup.

I could not bring myself to photograph them.

Shearer added: "The work the team have put in on the training ground and the systems in place are all scrapped now. Fernando Hierro is the new man that comes in now and he might think differently, so it is an incredible story and one that no one saw coming.

"Spain were rightly one of the favourites pre-tournament but this adds a lot of pressure on those players."

Away from Russia v Saudi Arabia, the big story ahead of the start of the tournament is Spain's decision to sack manager Julen Lopetegui.

Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui would succeed Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu on a three-year deal.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) dismissed the 51-year-old because the negotiation occurred "without any information to the RFEF", and has since appointed former Real defender Fernando Hierro.

Speaking to BBC One, former England international Alan Shearer said: "It is shocking timing and it is ruthless. But it is a decision I admire because it has to effect the players, no matter what they say over the next 48 hours."

Image source, Getty Images

England

England begin their World Cup campaign against Tunisia in Volgograd on Monday, and former striker Alan Shearer has predicted Gareth Southgate's starting line-up.

Speaking to BBC One, Shearer said: "We know the system he is going to start with, and we almost know the goalkeeper will be Jordan Pickford, but there are one or two positions up for debate.

"I think he will pick Gary Cahill over Maguire in the back three because of the experience he has. I don’t see him playing two holding players so I think he’ll play Jordan Henderson with Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli in midfield. Raheem Sterling will play in the number 10 role and Harry Kane will start up front."

Shearer's possible England XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Cahill, Trippier, Rose, Henderson, Lingard, Alli, Sterling, Kane

Image source, Getty Images

Paul Fletcher
BBC Sport in Moscow

Come out of the Metro closest to the Luzhniki Stadium and you walk straight into good vibe central.

Volunteers with High Five written on giant styrofoam hands, people in traditional dress happily posing for photographs, other volunteers showcasing their keepy-uppy skills and fans from all across the world drinking in the atmosphere.

Ad then there's this guy....

...who given the injury problems that have decimated the Russia team, could probably do a good job of covering a lot of ground in midfield.

Here's a video from BBC ideas.

"From fascist aesthetics to communist nostalgia, graphic artists Andrzej Klimowski and Jeff Willis discuss the most iconic World Cup posters."

This summer's one features legendary USSR keeper Lev Yashin.

Fans of nonsense never-ending opening ceremonies might be disappointed to hear today's is going to be quite short and will only start 30 minutes before kick-off.

In a maverick twist, Robbie Williams, who has previously been critical of Russia in a song, will sing alongside "one of Russia’s most acclaimed young voices", opera singer Aida Garifullina.

Image source, Fifa via Getty Images

Anyone else excited to find out who the 2018 version of James Rodriguez is?

For every football fan, the World Cup provides a melting pot of memories and emotions. And there is always a guarantee to see something you've never seen before. Russia 2018 is about to begin.

(With the unexpected bonus of a Lisa Hannigan tune)

Chris Sutton
Ex-Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 live

You just cannot rule out the moody Blues of France. As usual, it will be triumph or disaster - there will be nothing in between - but they have got some talented players. If they click - and it is a big if - they are my tips.

Image source, AFP

Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on BBC One

I will be surprised if Germany don't win it. They showed the depth they have by winning the Confederations Cup last year with what I would call their B team and they have always been so consistent at major finals.

They get themselves into a position where it doesn't come down to a bit of luck. They will be in Russia to seize the moment.

Image source, AFP