12 June 2014

2014 World Cup gets underway as Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull perform at opening ceremony

Trio: Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup in Arena de Sao Paulo
Trio: Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup in Arena de Sao Paulo
The watching world were treated to a celebration of colour, dance and music as Brazil officially unleashed the 2014 World Cup.
The location? Arena de Sao Paulo, Brazil. The reason? Kick-starting the world's greatest tournament, and in some style too.
Much was debated as to whether Brazil would be up to hosting the World Cup but, judging by this opening ceremony, they seem to be off to a fairly good start.


Start: J-LO acknowledges the crowd after singing the official World Cup song 'We Are One (Ola Ola)' alongside Pitbull
Start: J-LO acknowledges the crowd after singing the official World Cup song 'We Are One (Ola Ola)' alongside Pitbull
Singer Leitte performs during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup where the Brazuca ball was before it split into segments
Singer Leitte performs during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup where the Brazuca ball was before it split into segments
In the mood: J-LO, Leitte and Pitbull perform on the central stage in Sao Paulo ahead of the World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia
In the mood: J-LO, Leitte and Pitbull perform on the central stage in Sao Paulo ahead of the World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia
A mix of all kinds: A Mexico fan looks on while wearing his eccentric peacock-feathered headdress during the opening ceremony in Sao Paulo
A mix of all kinds: A Mexico fan looks on while wearing his eccentric peacock-feathered headdress during the opening ceremony in Sao Paulo
Peace: A Brazil fan certainly looks the part in Sao Paulo as she watched the opening ceremony
Thumbs up: Two Brazil fans enjoy the opening ceremony
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Fans watch on as the World Cup gets underway with an opening ceremony at the Arena de Sao Paulo on Thursday before kick-off
Fans watch on as the World Cup gets underway with an opening ceremony at the Arena de Sao Paulo on Thursday before kick-off
Ready: A Brazil fan smiles at the opening ceremony at the Arena de Sao Paulo
Ready: A Brazil fan poses ahead of the match against Croatia as he shows off his colours
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The World Cup has had its fair share of memorable opening ceremony moments - none more so than Diana Ross fluffing her lines by missing a penalty with an open goal in 1994.
But there were few of that in these Samba celebrations, as Brazil showed it was up to the task ahead of the clash against Croatia.
It all centred around a giant luminous Brazuca ball - a fitting focal point given the journey it was about to embark upon.
The ball, then, split into segments and opened up towards the climax to reveal Claudia Leitte. Then, Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, wearing a Brazil top, rose to the platform as well.
There was an awkward moment when the elevating platform seemed to get stuck and Pitbull had to help J-LO up before the pair performed the official World Cup song 'We Are One (Ola Ola)'.
The opening ceremony gave youngsters from dance groups, schools and training academies in Sao Paulo the chance to be part of the celebrations, too.
Proud: A female Brazil fan shows off her colours at the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 World Cup ahead of the Brazil and Croatia clash in Sao Paulo
Proud: A female Brazil fan shows off her colours at the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 World Cup ahead of the Brazil and Croatia clash in Sao Paulo
Fans cheer before the start of the first Group A match between Brazil and Croatia, as the opening ceremony seemed to get them in the mood
Fans cheer before the start of the first Group A match between Brazil and Croatia, as the opening ceremony seemed to get them in the mood
Performers dance during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Opening Ceremony at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12
Performers dance during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Opening Ceremony at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12
Packed: The general view of the arena during the opening ceremony as fans piled in to see Brazil v Croatia
Packed: The general view of the arena during the opening ceremony as fans piled in to see Brazil v Croatia
A festival of colour: The opening ceremony did not disappoint in terms of colour as its huge selection of dancers had their costumes at the ready
A festival of colour: The opening ceremony did not disappoint in terms of colour as its huge selection of dancers had their costumes at the ready
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo

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