Russia defies critics to throw World Cup party

The World Cup kicks off in Russia on Thursday as years of preparations dogged by diplomatic scandals give way to a month-long feast of action on the field.

Russia get the ball rolling against Saudi Arabia at the completely refurbished 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow after an opening ceremony attended by President Vladimir Putin.

On the day of the curtainraiser, Russia freed the main opposition figure to Putin, Alexei Navalny, from jail after he served a 30-day sentence for organising an illegal protest.

Russia is spending more than USD13 billion (11 billion euros) on hosting football's showpiece, the most important event in the country since the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics.

Brazil and their superstar Neymar are seeking a sixth global crown while Germany, who won their fourth World Cup in Brazil four years ago, will be determined to draw level with the Brazilians when the final is played in Moscow on July 15.

France boast possibly the most talented squad while Lionel Messi is desperate to make amends for Argentina's defeat in the 2014 final.

Putin was keen to attract the tournament to Russia to show its modern face, but in the run-up the country's problems -- from racism and hooliganism to a foreign policy sharply at odds with the West -- have been exposed and scrutinised.

Britain and some eastern European states formerly under Soviet rule tried to organise a diplomatic boycott over the poisoning in England of a former Russian double agent. British royals and government members will not attend in protest but a wider boycott effort fizzled out.

"We would like to underscore the validity of the FIFA principle of sport being outside politics," Putin told a meeting of football's governing body FIFA on Wednesday.

"Russia has always adhered to this principle," he said.

- Hearts and minds -
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Navalny, who was barred from challenging Putin in March's presidential election, tweeted after his release: "I'm with you again after a 30-day business trip. I'm so happy to be free."
- Racism and riots -
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- Field of dreams -
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