The show, which lasted just 15 minutes before the focus switched to the opening match between the hosts and Saudi Arabia, centred upon British pop star Robbie Williams and Russian opera singer Aida Garifullina.
But Williams' performance started off in faltering fashion, with his microphone feed coming through intermittently for television viewers in their millions. Then, right before the end of the show, he gave a cheeky middle finger to the camera.
Russian President Vladimir Putin watched the game with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stretching across FIFA President Gianni Infantino to offer a consoling handshake to his Saudi guest as Yury Gazinsky put Russia a goal up after 12 minutes.
