World Cup 2018 opening ceremony as it happened: Moscow dazzles as Robbie Williams helps kick off tournament

Good morning and welcome to today's Independent World Cup blog.

The 2018 Fifa World Cup kicks off today in Moscow with excitement building ahead of the biggest football tournament on the planet.

We'll bring you all the latest news on that plus all the best pictures and video from Russia throughout the day right here so don't touch that dial.

Without further ado, off we go.

The first game of the World Cup sees Russia face Saudi Arabia at 16:00, but, before then, it's the small matter of the Opening Ceremony.

Around 500 dancers, gymnasts and trampolinists will represent all things Russian before a closing firework display. 

And, England's very own Robbie Williams will be performing alongside young Russian artist Aida Garifullina.

The former Take That star said: "I’ve done a lot in my career, and opening the FIFA World Cup to 80,000 football fans in the stadium and many millions all over the world is a boyhood dream.”

But what about the teams themselves?

We'll start with Russia who go into today's opening game as the lowest rank side in the competition, 70th in Fifa's official standings.

Perhaps automatic qualification as hosts has played its part in that, but, with no victory in their last five, and none since October 2017, ambition has faded for the 2008 European Championship semi-finalists. 

Meanwhile, things haven't been much better for Russia's opponents, Saudi Arabia. 

The Green Falcons have lost their last three friendlies although two of them were respectable 2-1 defeats against Italy and Germany. 

Sandwiched between them was a demolition job as Peru put them to the sword, winning 3-0. 

And off the pitch, things don't look much rosier with two managers fired since qualifying for their fifth World Cup. 

So, as far as calling today's game is concerned, I'll sit firmly on the fence.

So why are Russia the lowest ranked side in the World Cup?

Check out the Independent's very own Jack Pitt-Brooke who details their problems here:

Looking past today's opener, I'm sure a lot of you are excited about tomorrow night's clash between Portugal and Spain.

If, like me, you've got Spain in your sweepstake, and are still reeling from yesterday's incredible news of Julen Lopetegui's sacking, read Miguel Delaney's piece on the decision. 

It probably won't make you feel any better, but it's still a good read!

The England squad paying their respects this morning, one year on from the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Still not excited yet? Want a bit more knowledge to show off to friends?

Ahead of the 21st World Cup, Genting Bet put together 21 stats sure to impress, including fastest goal, highest number of red cards and even furthest miles travelled to qualify. 

And there's one regarding the 'longest gap between successive titles': Can England change that? 

We'll see.

It's not been the best morning for Andrey. 

He just read Jack Pitt-Brooke's article outlining Russia's shortcomings before Arsenal's fixtures were announced...

Manchester City at home and Chelsea away to start the Premier League 18/19 campaign.

Eek.