The 2018 World Cup opening ceremony began this Thursday at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow without much flare but with the performance of British pop star Robbie Williams as the main course.
(Robbie Williams performing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup - Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach/REUTERS)
Williams started the ceremony half an hour prior to the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia .
Renowned Russian soprano Aida Garifullina was another of the main attractions in a ceremony which stood out for its musical performances rather than the large-scale choreographies other opening ceremonies have focused on.
(Russian soprano Aida Garifullina - Photo: Carl Recine/REUTERS)
Then Russian President Vladimir Putin , together with FIFA president Gianni Infantino , officially opened the Cup.
As part of the ceremony, Spanish goalkeeper and captain of Spain's National Football Team – winner of the 2010 World Cup – Iker Casillas presented the World Cup together with Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova.
(Iker Casillas and Natalia Vodianova presenting the World Cup - Photo: Mladen Antonov/AFP)
For his part, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto sent the following message to Mexico's National Football Team :
“We have placed in you the hope that Mexico's name will shine. You have our full trust. All the best to Mexico's National Football Team in Russia 2018!”
The Luzhniki stadium is the same stadium where Mexico's National Football Team will play its first match against Germany , next Sunday, June 17 at 10:00 (GMT-5).
Tenemos puesta en ustedes la esperanza de que el nombre de @mexico habrá de lucir y habrá de brillar. Confiamos plenamente en ustedes. ¡Mucho éxito a @miseleccionmx en #Rusia2018! #VamosMéxico #MEX pic.twitter.com/ljktKSbr4A
— Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) June 14, 2018
If you're in Mexico, the match will be broadcast by Televisa, TV Azteca, SKY, and TDN.
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