FIFA World Cup 2018: Robbie Williams courts controversy after making obscene gesture at opening ceremony

Robbie Williams at the opening ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. AP /Antonio Calanni[/caption]The 44-year-old performed the opening show alongside Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, with the two singing a duet of his hit solo song 'Angels'.Williams had also sparked controversy in Russia two years ago for promoting stereotypes about the country with his song 'Party Like a Russian'.He said when his performance at the ceremony was announced on Monday that it was "a boyhood dream" and would be "an unforgettable show".Williams was performing in front of 80,000 people at the stadium, and a global television audience of tens of millions.The ceremony was followed by the opening match with hosts Russia routing Saudi Arabia 5-0.