All eyes on Brazil ahead of kick off
All eyes will be on Brazil tonight for the kick off of the FIFA World Cup.
The international tournament will see 32 national football teams be battling it out for the honour of being crowned the world's best.
It is the second time that Brazil is hosting the event.
There have been doubts though that the Samba nation will be able to host a successful tournament with organisers there saying all is on track.
The lead up to the global event has not been an easy one for FIFA and Brazil.
Several protests have marked the lead-up to the global event with some locals there demanding a better quality of life.
About half of Brazilians polled have said they are against even hosting the World Cup and the mood was mixed about the event just days before it starts.
However the country's female president, Dilma Rousseff has assured soccer fans around the world that the spectacle will be a success.
She is also appealed to Brazilians to support the World Cup.
Brazil's government has also allayed fears of safety during the tournament period.
Nevertheless fans from around the world will be following the event when supporting their favourite country.
FIFA has backed Brazil to host a successful world cup expressing it's confidence a number of times.
(File photo)