The 2018 World Cup got underway on Thursday with a short and crisp opening ceremony in Russia.

The star of the show was Robbie Williams who performed a medley of his hit songs, and was accompanied by Aida Garifullina in the middle.

Brazil’s legendary striker Ronaldo was there as well to make his presence felt at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Prior to the opening ceremony, former Spanish goalkeeper and 2010 winner Iker Casillas displayed the World Cup trophy to the crowd while posing alongside model Natalia Vodianova.

And soon after opening ceremony came to an end Russian president Vladimir Putin addressed the gathering followed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

All in all, a well-scripted more than decent start to the biggest show on Earth.

Here we take a look at some of the best pictures!