Rio 2016 opening ceremony as it happened: Brazil make carnival from chaos in front of the world
Relive the ceremony as millions around tuned in to watch the opening ceremony in Rio
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Your support makes all the difference.Welcome to The Independent's coverage of Rio 2016 as the sport finally takes over from the simmering political and social unrest to have blighted the organisation of the Olympics this summer.
- Can the carnival overcome the chaos?
- Everything you need to know about Rio 2016 on TV
- Best and bizarre things to look for at opening ceremony
- Now the games have begun, it's time to see the best of Rio
- Pele to miss opening ceremony due to ill health
- Team GB swimming kit 'goes missing'
- Moroccan boxer arrested for rape on eve of Rio
Follow the latest from Rio below...
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The Maracana Stadium hosts the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympic Games as Brazil looks to put the doom and gloom of the past few weeks behind it and raise the curtain on what will be 17 days of the best the South American nation has to offer. But what will it offer?
Any Olympic ceremony often indicates what is to come over the ensuing fortnight of action, with London’s grand opening a sign of things to come as the capital staged a memorable Olympic Games.
While the build-up to Rio has been blighted by fears over the Zika virus, concerns over health and safety and shock at the extreme poverty that the less fortunate experience in Rio de Janeiro, Friday signals a chance to put that all to one side and showcase the city in its finest light.
We already know that the ceremony will not be as flash as London, or even on the same scale as 2012, given that the money spent on it is around a tenth of the £27m spent four years ago.
Film director Fernando Meirelles, famous for his City of God, will coordinate the opening ceremony and explained that he could not justify spending a similar amount to the London showcase given the level of poverty in his home country. But while the ceremony is set to show the best of Brazil, there could be a few bizarre stop-offs along the way.
Women's flyweight: Adams raises her arms in victory as she's awarded the fight. A fantastic performance as she makes history to become the first woman to win two boxing titles back-to-back.
Nicola Adams on her gold medal victory: "The gold rush continues. I can't believe it I am now officially our most accomplished amateur boxer ever and it is such an amazing feeling.
"It is well up there ( with London). They are both on the same level. It takes a lot to win an Olympic medal and I would just like to thank everybody. It feels absolutely amazing. I've made history.
"I'm going to go on a nice holiday, take some time out and think about what comes next."
Men's Football: Nigeria have won their first Olympic medal at Rio 2016, after beating Honduras 3-2 in the bronze medal match. The Brazil v Germany gold medal final gets underway later tonight at 9.30pm.
Men's 80kg Taekwondo: The Briton ends the first round 3-1 to the good. He's in control and will be looking to build upon his lead.
Men's 80kg Taekwondo: Cho goes flying as the pair lash out at the same time with two kicks. The Briton gets his legs tangled in the Iranian's though and ends up loosing his footing before stepping out of the arena. He's penalised with a yellow card and will need to keep his cool to keep his lead.
Men's pentathlon: Joe Choong has sadly dropped down in the 3,200m combined run and shoot race. After starting the final event in second, he's dropped down to tenth after his efforts in the shooting range let him down.
Men's football: The Brazilians are starting to pick up after a slight lull following Meyer's goal. They're getting a real grasp on the game now as they commit more and more players forward. It eventually pays off as Neymar is brought down on the edge of the box and is awarded a free-kick. He steps up to deliver and dinks his effort to the far-post where it's headed back across the goal...and into the hands of Germany's Horn.
Men's football: A late corner for Brazil after Neymar's effort from the edge of the box is deflected. It's driven in by the superstar but easily cleared by the German defence. It's booted to the half-way line where the whistle blows for extra-time. Another 30 minutes to follow...
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