Bars and restaurants have been given permission to extend their opening hours for the screening of World Cup matches, which start today with Brazil vs Croatia.

The Economy Ministry said the decision was taken in the interests of both bar and restaurant owners and their clients.

The establishments can remain open until 5.30am for games kicking off at 3am, although these will be few. The first one to be played in this time slot will be on Sunday morning between Ivory Coast and Japan.

For games starting at midnight, such as Saturday’s clash between Italy and England, bars and restaurants can remain open until 30 minutes after the final whistle: 2.30am.

For matches scheduled at 10pm, bars and restaurants with an early closing time will be allowed to stay open until 12.30am.

Conservative estimates say the World Cup will cost the Brazilian government $11.7 billion, $4 billion of which was spent on the 12 stadiums that will host the matches.

According to FIFA research, 909 million television viewers tuned in to at least one minute of the South Africa 2010 final at home.

Today’s opening ceremony will feature pop star Jennifer Lopez, who recorded the official World Cup song, We Are One, with rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.

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