Fans in good spirits celebrate World Cup opening

STORY: The game, at the stadium about an hour's drive north of the capital Doha, was due to start at 7pm local time (1600GMT) but supporters began arriving by lunchtime in team colours, celebrating being there and waving flags and chanting their support.

The 32-team tournament, which has been beset by controversy since the Gulf state was awarded it in 2010, runs until December 18.