Shakira says she will learn about football so she can enjoy the passion of the World Cup.

The Latino pop star – who is performing at the ceremony in Germany – was speaking in Bogata, where she has set up a children's charity. She revealed: "I have no idea what a penalty is, but I'm going to learn because what I do understand is the feeling, the feeling that football generates.

"I believe it's very similar to a feeling of adoration in these modern times, and the passions that awake people, and I think that that is fascinating."

The singer also refused to confirm rumours she plans to wed long-term boyfriend Antonio De La Rua.

"About marriage, every year they marry me and they divorce me, so I don't know what my marital status really is at the moment," she joked. "But I can tell you how my personal status is, that myself and Antonio are still a couple."