With all of the issues and questions leading up to the World Cup, Itaquerao Stadium shined under blue skies as Brazil kicked off its home World Cup with a football-style carnival.

After accounting for the elections, the World Cup and Carnival, plus holidays in April and December, it listed the only "working months" in Brazil in 2014 as August, September and November.

Kicking off in St. Louis, The Dome in America’s Center will host one of the 17 shows on Saturday, August 10. Tickets go on sale Monday, December 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Carnival dancing, world-class goals, party tricks in abundance and plenty in yellow enjoying themselves - this was Brazil at their magical best.