Vladimir Putin greeted the world with his World Cup opening speech. Russian president Vladimir Putin is in attendance for Thursday's World Cup opener between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Putin was joined by other world leaders including Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, Armenia prime minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev, Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko, Bolivia president Evo Morales and several others. The crowd burst into "Vladimir! Vladimir!" chants as Putin entered the stadium. Putin addressed the crowd and told everyone to enjoy their stay in Russia, which is "an open, friendly and hospitable country." This week, banned former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was invited by Putin to attend the World Cup and plans to go.<doc-sep>The World Cup kicks off in Russia on Thursday as the host nation take on Saudi Arabia in front of 80,000 people in Moscow after President Vladimir Putin officially declares the tournament open. Russia is spending more than $13 billion (11 billion euros) on hosting football's showpiece, the most important event in the country since the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. The buildup has been dogged by controversy and diplomatic scandals and has shone a light on the challenges facing Putin's Russia. On the day of the curtainraiser, Russia freed the main opposition figure to Putin, Alexei Navalny, from jail after he served a 30-day sentence for organising an illegal protest. The completely refurbished Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow hosts the opening match, against the two lowest-ranked sides in the tournament. Excitement has been steadily building in Moscow, with thousands of Saudi fans in green and white arriving in the city for the match. British pop star Robbie Williams performed at the opening ceremony at the Luzhniki. Photo Credit: AFP The World Cup favourites enter the fray this weekend. Brazil and their superstar Neymar are seeking a sixth global crown while Germany, who won their fourth World Cup in Brazil four years ago, will be determined to draw level with the Brazilians when the final is played in Moscow on July 15. France boast possibly the most talented squad while Lionel Messi is desperate to make amends for Argentina's defeat in the 2014 final. Hearts and minds The money lavished on the tournament will boost Putin's already sky-high prestige at home by giving many of the 11 host cities their first facelifts in generations. Cities such as Saransk were sleepy outposts with decaying buildings until the World Cup reconstruction put them firmly in the 21st century. The tournament also offers Putin a chance to project Russia as a global player that is accepted and respected even while being at odds with the United States. He is attempting to do so despite Russia being hit by international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine's Crimea in 2014. Moscow's military backing of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and alleged meddling in the 2016 US election on President Donald Trump's behalf only deepened its worst rift with the West since the Cold War. Putin hopes the most-watched event on the planet provides Russia with the "soft power" needed to capture a sceptical world's hearts and minds. Racism and riots Russian authorities have gone to great lengths to ensure nothing soils the country's image. The bloody beating English fans took from nearly 200 Russian thugs at Euro 2016 in France has influenced preparations as much as any diplomatic dispute. Neo-Nazi hooligans who organise mass fights in forests and chant racist slurs at players have been a feature of Russian stadiums for years. The anti-discrimination network Fare said Russia's football federation was making matters worse by punishing those who reacted to racist abuse "while ignoring the perpetrators". Security services have either locked up or restricted the movement of hundreds to make sure they do nothing to tarnish Russia's image. The preparations of 2010 winners Spain are in tatters after coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked just two days before their opening game on Friday against Portugal. He had angered his federation by taking the job of Real Madrid manager. Promoted Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has recovered from a broken bone in his foot in time. Egypt's coach said prolific striker Mohamed Salah is "almost 100 percent" to play in their opening match against Uruguay on Friday after having intensive treatment on the shoulder injury he suffered playing for Liverpool against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.<doc-sep>Robbie Williams has been accused of ‘shamefully legitimising’ Vladimir Putin’s ‘thuggish’ regime after the pop star agreed to perform at the World Cup opening ceremony. Williams, 44, a singer in Take That before he embarked on a solo career, was unveiled on Monday as the headline act that signals the start of the tournament on Thursday. Williams will perform half an hour before the first match between Russia and Saudi Arabia kicks off on Thursday in front of President Putin. Campaigners urged the singer to pull out. Williams said in an official Fifa statement it was his “boyhood dream” to open the World Cup in front of 80,000 fans in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. “I’m so happy and excited to be going back to Russia for such a unique performance,” he said. But Putin’s critics derided the English star for agreeing to the concert. He will be paid hundreds of thousands of pounds for the performance by Russian backers and by Fifa. British dignitaries, including the Royal family and politicians, have stayed away from the tournament in protest at the nerve agent attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury in Wiltshire in march.<doc-sep>
VLADIMIR Putin was mocked online after it appeared he wore "one of Madonna’s old bras" at the 2018 World Cup opening ceremony - because of two awkward microphones. The Russian President, 65, gave a rousing speech ahead of the hotly anticipated tournament today. 2 Vladimir Putin addressed the world but was mocked on Twitter Credit: ITV But it'll be remembered for the wrong reasons as the two large microphones made it look like the politician had found the perfect fluffy black bra for the occasion. And the unfortunate gaffe quickly amused Twitter users everywhere. One wrote: "First Robbie Williams and now Vladimir Putin is wearing one of Madonna’s old bras." Another posted: "Loving Vladimir Putin’s Madonna inspired conical furry bra top." I see Vladimir Putin is wearing the old 'Somerset furry bra'. #WorldCupRussia2018 — Michael Eavis (@MichaelEavis1) June 14, 2018 The World Cup is off to a super start with Russian president Vladimir Putin sporting a fluffy bra. pic.twitter.com/YeVTrKbTfh — Martin Williams (@Martin1Williams) June 14, 2018 They need to move those mics. Vladimir Putin looks like he’s wearing a large fluffy bra. — Mark Hopping (@markhopping1) June 14, 2018 Vladimir Putin giving his speech before kick off... Wearing a weird fluffy bra #Russia2018WorldCup pic.twitter.com/JBzG4DtrMZ — Mr English Bear (@MrEnglishBear) June 14, 2018 2 Russian supporters were celebrating at full time after the 5-0 win Credit: EPA As a result, many missed what Putin actually had to address the world with. The dad of two thanked "fanzones, football communities and supporters" for watching the ceremony. He added: "I congratulate the whole strong community of the football family all over the world." Latest in World Cup UP FOR THE CUP World Cup could be held every TWO years after Fifa backs controversial plans EURO BLOW Southgate fears Super League will hurt England plans with players facing BANS BEST OF REST Messi & Ronaldo among European Super League best XI facing BAN from World Cup EUR OUT European Super League players could be BANNED from World Cups and national teams FOOTIE FEST Eden Park to stage 2023 Women’s World Cup opener with final set for Australia YOUR TIMO'S UP Watch Chelsea’s Werner miss SITTER in shock Germany loss to North Macedonia Russia went on to humiliate lowly Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the tournament's first game. Many Russia fans were heard chanting the leader's name throughout the win. We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.