The World Cup soccer finals opened Friday in Germany with a grand opening ceremony featuring a parade of former players from tournament winners.

In Munich's World Cup Stadium, a parade of more than 170 players from past World Cup winning teams came out for the festivities, including former superstars Pele and Diego Maradona.

Through July 9th, about a third of the world's population is expected to watch 32 qualifying nations play in 12 German cities for soccer's most cherished honor.

The ceremony was followed by the opening game between host Germany and Costa Rica, followed by another featuring Ecuador versus Poland.

Germany last hosted the 1974 tournament and beat the Netherlands, 2-1, in the final for its second title.