ATLANTA, June 23 -- Chinese actor Li Xian has made Fifa World Cup history by becoming the first Chinese artist to take part in an official pre-match ceremony - although fans expecting him to perform a ceremonial kick-off were in for a surprise.

Ahead of Spain's Group H clash against Saudi Arabia yesterday, the Go Go Squid! star stepped onto the pitch in what marked an unprecedented moment for a Chinese entertainer at football's biggest tournament, according to Beijing Daily.

But instead of taking the symbolic first kick from the centre circle as many fans had anticipated, Li's role was to carry the official match ball onto the field and place it on a ceremonial pedestal before the teams emerged.

Videos shared by spectators on social me...