Williams - described by FIFA as a 'global music icon' - performed at certain points throughout the scheduled 15-minute pre-tournament build-up at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium
ROBBIE Williams diplomatically chose not to sing his controversial single "Party Like a Russian” during his World Cup Opening ceremony performance.
Perhaps wisely the singer steered clear of the 2016 song which mocked the arrogance and greed of the country's oligarchs and provoked such a backlash some predicted he'd never perform in the country ever again.
Instead the 44-year-old opened with his 1998 single "Let Me Entertain You" at the start of proceedings after spending time on stage with former Brazil striker Ronaldo.
Russian harpist Alexander Boldachev then took centre-stage, with a large 'fire bird' entering the pitch carrying operatic performer Aida Garifullina.
She performed a duet of Williams' smash-hit 'Angels' with the Stoke-born singer, who also brought the ceremony to a close by singing "Rock DJ" before kick-off in the first match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
He told some 2,500 viewers on Instagram Live: "I'm enjoying doing this live stream because it's taking my mind off what I'm about to do."
His wife was in the room with him as he was getting his hair and make-up done.
"You look incredible, I'm so glad you fancied me. I'm so glad you said yes," he told her.
Before signing off for vocal warm-up, he teased his outfit, saying: "Not gonna give the suit away but it's a cracker. Wish me luck."
It takes a certain kind of man with a certain reputation
To alleviate the cash from a whole entire nation
Take my loose change and build my own space station
(Just because you can, man)
Ain't no refutin' or disputin' - I'm a modern Rasputin
Subcontract disputes to some brutes in Louboutin
Act highfalutin' while my boys put the boots in
(They do the can-can)
(Spasibo)Party like a Russian
End of discussion
Dance like it got concussion, oh
Put a doll inside a doll
Party like a Russian
Disco seduction
Party like a Russian, oh
Have it like an oligarchI've got Stoli and Bolly and Molly, so I'm jolly
And I'm always off my trolley, so I never say sorry
There's a doll, inside a doll, inside a doll, inside a dolly
(Hello, Dolly)
I put a bank inside a car, inside a plane, inside a boat
It takes half the western world just to keep my ship afloat
And I never ever smile unless I've something to promote
I just won't emote
(Spasibo)Party like a Russian
End of discussion
Dance like it concussion, oh
We've got soul and we've got gold
Party like a Russian
Disco seduction
Party like a Russian, oh
Have it like an oligarchRaz, dva, tri, chetyre
We're the Russian boys, we're everywhere
There's revolution in the air
Oh oh oh, oh oh ohParty like a Russian
End of discussion
Dance like it got concussion, oh
Put a doll inside a doll
Party like a Russian
Disco seduction
Party like a Russian, oh
Have it like an oligarch
The decision to book the former Take That member to sing at the opening ceremony met with surprise when it was announced by FIFA on Monday.
Williams said beforehand that opening the event to 80,000 fans and many millions all over the world was realising boyhood dream, and added: "We'd like to invite football and music fans to party with us in Russia.”
The Sun Online has contacted his publicist about discuss how much he was being paid, or whether he had any qualms about going against the UK government's boycott.
