Dzyuba in demand

Before the start of the World Cup not many had counted hosts Russia as a force to be reckoned with. But after two resounding victories in the group stages, they are in pole position to make it to the round of sixteen with a game in hand against two-time World Champions Uruguay.

And if their 5-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia in the opening World Cup match at the Luzhniki Stadium was not enough to impress the world, Stanislav Cherchesov's charges put up yet another spectacular display against Egypt in a 3-1 win on Tuesday night thanks to a second-half onslaught, during which period they scored three goals in the space of sixteen minutes.

Before the start of the game even the Russian fans were not expecting such a dominant display against Mohamad Salah's Egypt.

"I think the result will be 1-0 for us," said Alexander Beluich, who was heading to the Fan Fest Zone to watch the game in big screen. He also was unsure whether towering striker Artem Dzyuba, who made an immediate impact after coming as a second-half substitute in the opening game, would start against Egypt.

The 29-year-old not only started the game but also made huge impact. He was responsible for Egypt defender Ahmed Fathy conceding an own goal two minutes after the break.

Fathy was having all sorts of trouble keeping the six-foot-five-inch giant under wraps throughout the first half. Dzyuba won almost all the aerial balls and looked menacing in the forbidden zone. He also could have won at least two penalty decisions against Fathy had he resorted to play-acting.

Dzyuba scored the third goal after midfielder Denis Cheryshev struck the second to eventually seal the fate of the game inside 62 minutes.

Salah scored a consolation from the spot in the 73rd minute, but the Liverpool star, one of four superstars in the build-up to the World Cup, can consider this a fleeting moment in fast disappearing hopes of making an impact on the biggest stage.

For the Russian fans that dominated the 64,000 capacity stadium, it was a treat from the home boys that they enjoyed like a vintage vodka. Dressed spectacularly, they sang their national anthem loudest before the start of the game, creating an even more deafening noise than the rough Baltic Sea next to the stadium. However, they reserved the biggest cheer for Dzyuba when the Zenit St Petersburg forward was taken off deep into the second half.

The fans danced on the streets on their way back home deep into the night and shouted 'Russia, Russia' ceaselessly. They also sang to their hero Dzyuba and chanted 'Salah go home'. They even took selfies with an Egyptian fan, who complied with a despondent face.

Although a saner section left for home, the more energetic youthful section headed straight to the fan zone in the city centre to party all night.

Russia had a challenge to be an adoring host when the tournament started on June 14. They have now started to dream if this team can match the class of 1966, when they made to the semifinals. They had a hero in Lev Yashin then, they might have a hero in Dzyuba this time.