A delicate balancing act
The on-going conflict in Ukraine has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, impacting everything from international relations to commodity prices.
With less than four days to go for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to kick off, fans are excited, not just for the football though, as the traditionally glitzy opening ceremony is also generating a lot of buzz.
Robbie Williams has been confirmed as the lead attraction and the iconic crooner will be joined by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo and Russian Russian soprano Aida Garifullina at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 14.
As is the norm, the hosts will play the opener and just 30 minutes before Russia’s Group A clash with Saudi Arabia, Williams and Co. will enthral the thousands in attendance and millions watching worldwide with their virtuoso performances.
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“The 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony will have a slightly different format compared to previous editions of the tournament,”a statement on FIFA’s website stated.
Williams has been quite active on the football front lately as he was seen gracing the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford for the Soccer Aid for Unicef Match on the weekend.
And he’s clearly quite chuffed to be performing at the opening gala of the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet:
“This time, the ceremony will focus on musical acts and will take place much closer to kick-off, just half an hour before the start of the match, which is scheduled for 18:00 (local time).”
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The Russia vs Saudi Arabia tie is slated for a 18.30 local time kick off (20.30 IST), which would mean the opening ceremony takes place at 1800 local time (2000 IST).
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“Russia’s Channel One will produce the show, and the creative concept will once again be developed by Felix Mikhailov, who directed the main ceremonies held throughout the entire 2018 FIFA World Cup journey – from the Preliminary Draw in 2015 right up to the closing act ahead of the final on 15 July.”
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