Germany's preparations for the tournament were plagued by poor results and controversy, and their problems were magnified in the Russian capital.
Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saved a penalty from Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi, forcing the two-time world champions to draw 1-1 with the tournament's smallest nation.
Britain's former world number one, Andy Murray, has not played since last year's Wimbledon due to a hip injury and subsequent surgery.
A psychic elephant, a baby polar bear and a Derbyshire pig make predictions about the football teams clashing in semis and winner of the tournament.
Uruguay score with a thunderous 89th minute header to deal Egypt a 1-0 defeat while a stoppage-time own goal by a substitute player give Iran a dramatic 1-0 win over Morocco. Meanwhile, Portugal's Ronaldo scores hat trick to draw 3-3 with Spain.
Host nation end poor run with easy victory as toothless Saudis were outclassed in the opening match of the football World Cup.
The host nation Russia is one of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament but has spent more than $13 billion to host football's showpiece.
The Spanish coach's Julen Lopetegui sacking came two days before their opening World Cup match against Portugal and a mere 24 hours after Lopetegui appointment as Real Madrid coach was announced.
The North American bid beat the rival Morocco proposal, winning 134 votes to 65 for Morocco at the FIFA's congress in Moscow.
The choice is clear — between a slick bid based on gleaming stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada or an ambitious attempt from Morocco based on as-yet largely unbuilt facilities.
The 19-year-old Cuban athlete produced the furthest long jump in 23 years but a tailwind denied him a place in the record books at the IAAF Athletics Diamond League in Stockholm.
With the victory, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel took a one-point lead in the Formula One standings over Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who finished fifth.
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