Okocha blasts Saudi Arabia for woeful defending in 5-0 defeat to Russia

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, who played at 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup, did not 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 after 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, and you will get exposed.‘’Their tactical discipline was nowhere to be found, and 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. The Egyptian went down 0-1 to Uruguay yesterday despite putting in a good fight. Saudi Arabia battle Uruguay the following day in Rostov.