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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood

World Cup final kick-off time delayed by performances and bizarre Tom Cruise speech

The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain did not kick off on time and was delayed by six minutes. Kick-off at the New York ⁠New Jersey stadium was scheduled to be 8pm BST (3pm ET) but the most-watched sporting fixture in the world did not begin until 8:06pm BST.

The start of the match followed a performance by Robbie Williams, the singing of the national anthem by Jennifer Hudson, a bizarre pre-game speech by actor Tom Cruise, and a ‘let’s get ready to rumble’ build-up by ring announcers the Buffer brothers - Michael and Bruce.

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