What does a soccer game begin with?

Soccer games are often preceded by a coin toss, equipment and field check, and a number of other logistical matters that the referees must attend to. The game itself begins at the first kick-off, when the ball is kicked and moves forward by the team taking the kick-off (thus, the team that lost the coin toss), which cannot happen until the referee has signaled permission to begin by blowing his whistle.