World cup coverage in full

Brazilian soccer legend Pele raised the World Cup trophy above his head once more to launch the 18th World Cup competition in Munich this evening.

More than one and a half billion people around the world tuned in to watch the opening ceremony of the world's biggest sporting contest from the spectacular Allianz Arena. They were treated to a curiously teutonic blend of Schuhplatter dancers, novelty hats and Bavarian goat-herders.

A giant banner bearing the word 'Welcome' was unfurled to traditional music from extravagantly attired folk singers and drummers. Pele, who led Brazil to victory in 1958, 1962 and 1970, carried the World Cup onto the pitch alongside German supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

For the first time in the history of the event, every living member of past World Cup-winning teams was also present, walking on to the pitch amid roaring applause.

Horst Kohler, the German president, declared the contest open - bringing months of excitement to fever pitch as a massive cheer echoed around the 59,000-seater stadium.

“Finally it can start,” he said, flanked by Costa Rican counterpart Oscar Arias and Franz Beckenbauer, the president of Germany's organising committee.

"Welcome to Germany. May we see lots of goals and fair play..."

The first game of the contest was between the host nation and outsiders Costa Rica, whose 7,000 supporters transformed a corner of the ground into a riot of red. Their prayers for an opening game upset went unanswered as their team went down 4-2 despite a spirited performance.

"We are outnumbered, but we have a bigger heart," Guillermo Salas, who paid $5,000 for an 18-day, three-match trip, told Reuters.

Five-time winners Brazil are favourites to win again this year - but England, buoyed by high hopes over Wayne Rooney's recovery - are second favourite to lift the trophy.

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