2014 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony
The wait is over and we are all set!! The greatest sporting spectacle is here and a jaw dropping opening ceremony awaits the world before hosts Brazil kick off against Croatia.
As we all know, the football world cup is the world’s most followed sporting event and the Brazilian authorities have got everything in place to present a memorable ceremony. It will be held in Sao Paulo in the Arena de Sao Paulo at 7PM BST (11.30 PM for the Indian viewers).
This is what Daphne Cornez, the artistic director of the event had to say about the ceremony, “The Opening Ceremony is a tribute to Brazil and its treasures: nature, football and people. The sense of excitement here is amazing and everyone is very motivated. It doesn’t matter whether they are feeling tired or hot sometimes or if they have to go through routines again and again: they just keep on smiling. It’s amazing.”
Brazil’s history will be depicted in the opening song and dance of the ceremony, and the last part of the ceremony will involve some of the biggest stars the world has ever seen. More than 600 dancers, gymnasts, trampolinists and stilt walkers will be performing on the grand night and the highlight being the LED ball alongside which the performers will be performing. Since the ceremony will be taking place in day time, fireworks are not expected to be present.
Welcome to Brasil @JLo #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/KJxj9DvhZP
— Pitbull (@pitbull) June 12, 2014
Brazilian pop singer Claudia Leitte alongside Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez will perform the official 2014 FIFA World Cup song. Pitbull tweeted a picture of himself alongside JLO in Brazil.
“ I’m very happy and thrilled to represent my country at the FIFA World Cup alongside these two amazing artists who I admire and respect. I love sharing my culture and country to people through music. The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest events on the planet, and I look forward to dancing samba with Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez in Brazil-we are one.” said Leitta.
FIFA officials had earlier mentioned that Jennifer Lopez wouldn’t be performing due to some unspecified production issues, but her representative has clarified on the issue and has mentioned that Jennifer would never disappoint her fans and would be performing on the night.
Once the 25 minute colourful ceremony gets over, the action will begin with Croatia gunning for an upset without their star striker Mario Mandzukic who is suspended for the first game.