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Robbie Williams Led the 2018 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

The opening day of Russia 2018 was certainly not a disappointment after four years of anticipation. English pop star Robbie Williams, Russia soprano Aida Garifullina and former Brazil striker Ronaldo were the principal attentions at the musical opening ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The ceremony took place at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium 30 minutes before the group A opener between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. The 80,000 fans in attendance were treated to Robbie Williams' lively music and dance performance. 
A performance of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's notable works marked the beginning of the ceremony. Robbie Williams then kicked in with a rendition of "Let Me Entertain You", before performing a miscellany of hits, which included a duet on Williams' worldwide hit "Angels" with Russian opera star Aida Garifullina. Russian harpist and composer Alexander Boldachev, and Russian pianist Danil Trifonov played during the "Angels" duet performance.
At the end of the musical performance, official FIFA ambassador - and former Miss Russia - Victoria Lopyreva emerged with the official ball for the 2018 World Cup opener. The ball was sent into space with an International Space Station in March, and returned to earth on June 3. Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo, and World Cup Mascot Zabivaka made a symbolic first kick to mark the beginning of the tournament. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the fans and players before the opening game saying: "Russians love football, it is what we call love at first sight, ever since the first official match was held in the country in 1897." He wished the thousands of football fans traveling to Russia for the football jamboree "an unforgettable experience". President Putin closed his welcome address with the line: "Welcome to Russia." 
FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered a brief speech after President Putin's. He said, "Welcome to the FIFA World Cup here in Russia. As of today, for one month, football will conquer Russia and from Russia, football will conquer the world. Enjoy the biggest celebration on Earth. Thank you President Putin, thank you Moscow, Spasibo {thank you} Russia."
The 2018 World Cup tournament features 32 teams which will compete in 64 games across 11 Russian cities. Russia convincingly won Saudi Arabia 5 goals to 0 on day 1, as Russian President Putin happily watched.

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