It`s show time in Brazil and the journey to Rio is finally over! The FIFA World Cup 2014 got off to a colourful start with Brazilian singer Claudia Lette (C), US singer Jennifer Lopez (L) and rapper Pitbull (R), performing during the opening ceremony at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday with hosts Brazil won the the tournament opener match against Croatia.

 

The month-long tournament sees 32 nations compete for a place in the final in Rio on Sunday, 13 July.

There were dancers, musicians, gymnasts, trampolines and more as the participants attempted to portray a story while also creating a feast for the eyes.  During the 25-minute event, 660 artists paid tribute to the country’s nature, people and football. A standing paraplegic man kicked the first soccer ball of the World Cup, a triumphant moment for a research project aiming to give patients who have lost feeling in their legs the ability to walk again. Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian artist Claudia Leitte came together to perform their new collaborative hit entitled "We Are One (Ole Ola)".  More than 60,000 fans were in the stadium to watch the performances.