FIFA Releases 3 Doves of Peace Before 2014 World Cup Opener, 2 May Be Dead

There's nothing like a feel-good story to get you in the World Cup spirit.

Unfortunately, this is nothing like a feel-good story.

FIFA showed its commitment to world peace through football by releasing three white doves into the air from the centre circle before Brazil vs. Croatia.

However, the word from the press boxes seemed to suggest that for two of them, it was their final journey.

"

Errrr, think one of those doves is dead already. Flew straight into stand and went down.

— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) June 12, 2014"

"

(Bad news for world peace: two of the doves appear to have crashed into the stands)

— Hadley Freeman (@HadleyFreeman) June 12, 2014"

Given the extraordinary venue, the full crowd and so on, it was hardly a surprise that the doves would be flummoxed. There was some good news at least: One went straight to the media.

"

Exciting dove update: The one remaining dove has flown into the press box! pic.twitter.com/JA8rQC1KtK

— Hadley Freeman (@HadleyFreeman) June 12, 2014"

It remains to be seen whether FIFA will continue with this practice during the rest of the tournament.

[H/T SBNation]