The Local Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup™, chaired by Eugenio Figueredo, convened on Thursday in Sao Paulo for its last meeting before the start of the tournament. The executives received comprehensive reports on the preparations and expressed their eagerness for the 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup™ to begin, with just seven days to go before the opening match between hosts Brazil and Croatia at the Arena de São Paulo on 12 June. The meeting was also attended by Brazil’s Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo.
As a symbol of peace, Brazil and FIFA will dedicate a special moment prior to the kick-off of the opening match. Following the pre-match protocol and the coin toss, players and officials will meet around the centre circle, with one team on each side. Three children, each carrying a dove, will come on to the pitch and move to the middle of the centre circle, where they will release the three doves into the sky. The symbol of peace will mark the official opening of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.