FIFA World Cup 2014 kicks off

(Sao Paulo) – The 2014 Fifa World Cup officially got under way on Thursday with a colourful opening ceremony before hosts Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in the first match. A cast of 660 dancers paid tribute to the country’s nature, people and football with a show around a “living” ball on the Arena de Sao Paulo pitch.
The final act saw a performance of official World Cup song “We Are One” by Jennifer Lopez and rapper Pitbull. The month-long tournament sees 32 nations compete in 64 games.
Many fans took to the streets to sing and chant their support for Brazil as excitement built in the hours before the tournament began.