After four long years, World Cup soccer has finally returned. Russia and Saudi Arabia kicked off the 2018 affair Thursday in Moscow, with the hometown Russians scratching first. Midfielder Yuri Gazinski connected on a header at the 11:32 mark, sending the friendly crowd into an early frenzy: Russia scores the first goal of the 2018 World Cup!!!: @FOXSoccer pic.twitter.com/8KwJTuAYAY — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 14, 2018 ESPN notes that the goal was Gazinski's first for Russia in international play, and that the Russians are 17-3-4 all-time at the World Cup when they scratch first.