So it begins. Brazil clinched an expected victory over Croatia in the Fifa World Cup opener this morning in Sao Paulo.
Half a world away from the Brazilian capital, hundreds of football fans in Wellington gathered at waterfront venue Shed 6 to watch the drama unfold.
There was shock as an own-goal put the home favourites behind, then adulation from the Brazilians and disappointment from the Croatians as boys in gold and blue seized control of the game after a controversial penalty. Brazil won 3-1.
The Wireless met some of the fans revelling in the glory of the World Cup:
World Cup 2014 - Voxies from THE WIRELESS NZ on Vimeo.
Coming late to the World Cup? Check out our cheat sheet.