GALLERY: If you missed the World Cup's opening ceremony ...
Brazil exploded with street parties, as colourful characters and cheering fans stormed Sao Paulo for the World Cup opening ceremony and opening matches with a football-style carnival.
Jennifer Lopez, rapper Pitbull and pop star Claudia Leitte danced and sang the World Cup theme song “We Are One” as Brazilian band Olodum banged drums below on this nation’s Valentine’s Day.
The electric atmosphere set the right mood for the perfect start to the World Cup.
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014, prior to the opening Group A football match between Brazil and Croatia. AFP
Brazilian fans pose during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. REUTERS
Supporters of Brazil's national soccer team share shirt an oversized reading "we go for the sixth Cup win" as they arrive for the opening match of the soccer World Cup between Brazil and Croatia. REUTERS
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014. AFP
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014. AFP
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014. AFP
A pregnant woman points to her belly as she attends the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. REUTERS
US rapper Pitbull (C) Brazilian pop singer Claudia Leitte (R) and US singer Jennifer Lopez (L) gesture as they part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014, prior to the opening Group A football match between Brazil and Croatia. AFP
Performers look upwards during the 2014 World Cup opening ceremony at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. REUTERS
A Brazilian fan watches the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014. AFP
One of the doves relased during the opening ceremony sits on a photographers lens prior to the Group A football match between Brazil and Croatia at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 12, 2014. AFP
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014, prior to the opening Group A football match between Brazil and Croatia. AFP
Performers dance during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. REUTERS
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