Jennifer Lopez kicks off the World Cup and Neymar fires Brazil to comeback victory!

Jenny made the crowd rock! J-Lo, 44, wows as she performs during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil prior to the Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on Thursday

Jennifer Lopez kicked off the FIFA World Cup 2014 in style on Thursday, as she performed at the Opening Ceremony in Brazil.

The 44-year-old singer showed off her incredible figure in a sparkling leotard she sang the official FIFA song We Are One (Ole Ola) alongside rapper Pitbull and singer Claudia Leitte.

Bouncing back! After a rocky few weeks that has seen the star split from her long-term boyfriend Casper Smart - Jennifer managed to put on a spirited performance on Thursday as jumped for joy on stage!

There had been initial reports that Jennifer was due to drop out, but by the looks of her energetic performance there was nothing that could have kept her away from the stage.

Dressed by the Lebanese Designer Charbel Zoe Khoury.

The song is the lead single from the World Cup album, and follows on from Shakira’s 2010 anthem Waka Waka.

Bouncing back! After a rocky few weeks that has seen the star split from her long-term boyfriend Casper Smart - Jennifer managed to put on a spirited performance on Thursday as jumped for joy on stage!

The trio put on a spirited show as they jumped up and down on stage, swaying their arms and encouraging the screaming crowds to join in.

J-Wow! Jennifer looked stunning incredible and she kicks off the World Cup in Brazil performing on stage with Pitbull and singer Claudia Leitte during the 2014 World Cup opening ceremony at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo

As they finished the song and walked around the stadium, Jennifer looked overcome with emotion and almost tearful as she mouthed ‘thank you’ to the crowds and touched her chest with her hand.

The three amigos! Claudia, Jennifer and Pitbull put on a show of co-coordinating dance moves performing to the beat

Neymar fires Brazil to comeback victory!

Star: Neymar shined for Brazil as they beat Croatia in their opening World Cup game

Neymar was the star of the show as Brazil came from behind to secure a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup™. The hosts’ star No10 equalised after Marcelo’s own-goal, and converted a second-half penalty after Fred had been fouled by Dejan Lovren.

Croatia had the ball in the net before the end of the game, but Ivica Olic was adjudged to have fouled Julio Cesar in the build-up, and Oscar made sure of the victory late on.

Neymar fires Brazil to comeback victoryThe opening goal of the 2014 World Cup was remarkable in itself, the first own-goal scored by a Brazilian in the history of the tournament. Ivica Olic received the ball on the Croatia left and ran unopposed into the Brazilian half. His low cross fizzed across goal and was turned in by Marcelo, who failed to readjust his feet in time. Ivan Perisic was ready to pounce if the Real Madrid man had not made the final touch.

Angry: Pletikosa reacts after allowing a goal from the penalty spot against Neymar which he could have saved

The crowd were stunned, but they rallied behind their side, who were level before the half-hour mark. Oscar worked hard to regain possession for Brazil in the middle of the park, before passing the ball to Neymar. The Barça man skipped free of a Perisic challenge, steadied himself, and fired hard and low with his left foot across Pletikosa. The ball rebounded off the post, nestled into the back of the Croatia net and the Arena de Sao Paulo erupted.

The remainder of the first half saw Brazil dominate possession, with Croatia looking dangerous on the counter-attack.

Battle: Perisic (left) and his terrific cross should have led to an early goal for Croatia but he kept Marcelo (right) busy

After more Seleção pressure in the second-half, the hosts went ahead. The ball was played into the box towards Fred, who tried to swivel to hit it towards goal. He was impeded by Lovren and the referee pointed to the spot. Neymar stepped up, delayed his run-up, and hit hard to Pletikosa’s right-hand side. Croatia’s No1 got a hand to it, but could not stop it putting Brazil ahead.

Brazil: Beat two men before providing the ball from which Neymar scored, and showed ambition.

Despite a valiant effort by Croatia, including their disallowed goal, Brazil wrapped up the three points when Oscar fired home from the edge of the box.

Man of the match: Neymar was outstanding for Brazil in their 3-1 win

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