Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's rolling news coverage of the 2014 World Cup.
Hosts Brazil got the tournament up and running last night with a 3-1 victory over Croatia, while six more sides look to get off to a winning start today.
If you have World Cup fever, spend the next month with SM and you will not miss a beat.
Good morning all. The World Cup got off to a lively start in last night's opener with Brazil rather controversially securing a 3-1 win. Later today Mexico and Cameroon face off in the other Group A clash, while Group B also gets underway as Spain and the Netherlands meet in a repeat of the 2010 final.
The first game today gets underway at 17:00 and you can follow live commentary here on Sports Mole. Until then we will bring you all the latest news and goings on from across each of the competing nations.
Can you believe it's been 10 years since Greece's historic - and not so memorable for the neutral - triumph at Euro 2004?! Defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has warned fellow Group C opponents not to underestimate his side this year.
Neymar may have stole all of the headlines in last night's opener, but Chelsea midfielder Oscar was just as lively throughout. His third goal sealed the victory for the hosts, and he has dedicated the strike to his wife and baby daughter.
Japan get their World Cup campaign underway in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and defender Maya Yoshida believes that playing in last summer's Confederations Cup will act as "invaluable experience" for the Samurai Blues.
Many are expecting the meeting between the Netherlands and Spain later today to be the pick of the group stage fixtures. Ahead of the game, Dutch coach Louis van Gaal has tipped one of Brazil or Argentina to win the tournament on home soil.
More reaction from Brazil's opening night victory against Croatia, with Marcelo praising supporters for sticking with him and the team following an early setback last night.
There's no denying that the Netherlands boast a potent attack, but what about the back line? Dutch legend Ruud Gullit believes that manager Louis van Gaal needs to 'sharpen' it up ahead of their match with Spain tonight.
Elsewhere, former England international Joe Cole believes that the Three Lions have a "great chance" of succeeding at this summer's World Cup. The new generation of players kick off their campaign against Italy on Saturday night, with new Aston Villa recruit Cole certainly not holding back any praise.
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas insists that Spain use their 2010 World Cup triumph as motivation to succeed. La Roja defeated the Netherlands in the final four years ago, and they face the same opponents once more tonight in their opening game.
England's Group B opponents Uruguay have been handed some positive news today as Luis Suarez took part in his first full training session since undergoing surgery last month. The striker was initially a big doubt for the tournament, but he has stepped up his recovery in the past few weeks and now looks set to feature against Costa Rica this weekend.
Sticking with England, Global players' union FIFPro has added to the criticism surrounding the Manuas pitch in which the Three Lions will kick off their opening World Cup game, saying that "the players deserve a quality playing surface and conditions."
Former England international Robbie Fowler has given his thoughts on England's World Cup hopes, saying he expects Roy Hodgson's side to do "very, very well".
A fair few people were left surprised by Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella's decision to leave Carlos Tevez out of the Albiceleste's 23-man World Cup squad, but his wife, it appears, is focusing on the positive... a family holiday in Marbella instead!
Not the most positive note to end on before I pass the World Cup baton over, but animal welfare campaigners Humane Society International has received reports of stray dogs being "rounded up and removed" in an attempt to clean up Brazilian streets.
Remember, you can follow live text commentary from each of tonight's games on Sports Mole, with the first of those games getting underway in two hours time. For now, Joe Fish will update you with all the World Cup news you could possibly need.
Thanks Daniel. Mr Lewis is absolutely right. Your World Cup thirst will be well and truly quenched by SM today as we bring you the latest from Brazil right up until close of play.
Moving on from dogs, to horses, or at least a equine metaphor. After frontrunners Brazil got off to a fortunate winning start yesterday evening, Spain and Netherlands are among the teams to saddle up for the beginning of their World Cup race on this football feast of a Friday.
Neymar, and the referee, may have taken the headlines after the Selecao's controversial 3-1 victory in Sao Paolo, but Chelsea playmaker Oscar has been hailed as the best player on opening day.
Luis Gustavo also earned rave reviews for his protection of the Brazil back four, while Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic impressed in a losing cause. So, with six teams to choose from, who will be the stars of the World Cup's second day. Tweet @SportsMole with your suggestions!
Andrea Barzagli feels that the bond between Italy's contingent of title-winning Juventus players, which includes Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, could be their biggest weapon at the World Cup. They face England at 11pm Saturday, remember. As if you could forget.
Mexico vs. Cameroon Mexico against Cameroon completes the opening phase of Group A fixtures, with the two sides kicking off at 5pm. Who will join Oscar and Neymar in making an early impact on the tournament? Mexico's Giovanni dos Santos is on the back of a fine season in which he has rebuilt his reputation following a torrid spell at Tottenham Hotspur. Samuel Eto'o showed at Chelsea this year that he still knows where the net is. I wonder if we will see his 'old man' celebration again?
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Kickoff in Natal is 54 minutes away, and Sports Mole's text commentary of the match at Estadio das Dunas is now live. Join Barney Corkhill here for in-depth build-up to Mexico versus Cameroon. I will have team news with you shortly, while keeping my eyes peeled for other news from Brazil.
MEXICO: Ochoa; Rodriguez, Marquez, Herrera, Layun, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar, Vazquez
CAMEROON: Itandje; Assou-Ekotto, Nkoulou, Djeugoue, Song, Moukandjo, Eto'o, Choupo Moting, Chedjou, Mbia, Enoh
Here, you can read our full assessment of the team news, but the main talking point is the strikers at each end. Samuel Eto'o leads the Cameroon line, but there is no Javier Hernandez for Mexico.
Spain vs. Netherlands Where do we start when looking at the individuals who could steal the show in this rematch of the 2010 World Cup final. In Diego Costa, Spain have a reliable striker that could thrive on the service of their plethora of midfield playmakers, one of whom, Andreas Iniesta, scored the extra-time winner that won his side the trophy in South Africa four years ago. Dutch hopes perhaps rest on Arjen Robben, who is the fittest and most in-form of an ageing, but still intimidating, attacking unit.
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On the subject of Spain, midfield maestro Xavi has insisted that the World Cup holders will not abandon their tiki-taka playing style amid suggestions that international teams have sussed them out.
KICKOFF: The action is underway is in a rainy Natal. Key updates as and when they happen...
The officials are already having a big impact on this tournament! After last night's debacle which left Croatia furious, it is Mexico's turn to feel aggrieved as Giovanni dos Santos has an early goal disallowed for offside, when replays show that he was in line with the last Cameroonian defender.
There's been another goal chalked out at Estadio das Dunas, but on this occasion there is no debate on whether Eto'o was offside or not. The striker has had another great chance saved too.
A third disallowed goal in Natal, where Dos Santos has again been denied by the assistant's flag, and again, perhaps unfairly. He tapped in at the far post after a corner had been flicked on, but after a second glance it is clear that the deflection came off a Cameroon shirt. Mexico unlucky again.
HALF-TIME: The referee blows the whistle and Mexico leave for the break aggrieved after two wrongly disallowed goals denied they and Giovanni dos Santos a dream start to their tie with Cameroon.
Read Sports Mole's half-time report on the events in Natal, where Samuel Eto'o struck the post.
Chile vs. Australia While it is half time at the Estadio das Dunas, we just about have time to look at the potential stars on show in tonight's late kickoff, as Chile face Australia in Group B, arguably the toughest. Chile are being tipped as dark horses by some, with the South American conditions levelling the playing field between them and those European sides with bigger names. They have a big name or two, themselves though, with reported Manchester United targets Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal familiar with the big stage. Australia are the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup and Crystal Palace and Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak will have to lead his men inspirationally if they are to pick up any points.
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The second half between Mexico and Cameroon is eight minutes old, and we are still at a 0-0 stalemate. Surprisingly, though, there has been no more gaffes from the officials since the interval.
GOAL! Mexico finally get the goal that they deserve as Oribe Peralta knocks a rebound home on 61 minutes after Dos Santos's shot was saved. The fans who have travelled across the Americas go wild!
Just less than 20 minutes to go and Javier Hernandez has been called upon by Mexico...
The clock reads 83 minutes in Natal, so Cameroon are running out of time to find an equaliser. Pierre Webo has been introduced, but it is Mexico who are looking the most likely to score again.
RESULT! Mexico eventually open their 2014 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon, with Oribe Peralta's strike coming after they had two goals wrongly chalked off.
Stay tuned to Sports Mole for reaction and analysis of the Mexicans' win, which takes them joint-top of Group A. Callum Mulvihill will guide you expertly through the next few hours of World Cup magic.
One game down today, two more to go. Spain vs. Holland is under an hour away. Remember, you can follow live text coverage of that game this evening.
The team news is in for the opening match in Group B, with confirmation that Diego Costa will start in attack for Spain.
Spain: Casillas; Azpilicueta, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Alonso, Xavi; Silva, Costa, Iniesta
Netherlands: Cillessen; Janmaat, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind; De Jong, De Guzman, Sneijder; Robben, Van Persie
Tonight's match at the Arena Fonte Nova is a repeat of the 2010 final in South Africa. Andres Iniesta's strike separated the two sides on that occasion. Are the Netherlands strong enough to worry the champs this year?
If you enjoyed Mexico's victory over Cameroon earlier then fill your boots with our analysis of the game. It's a win that could prove to be very valuable as Mexico look to keep up their impressive record of reaching the knockout stages.
KICKOFF: The referee has got the game underway, with boos greeting Costa early on following his decision to play for Spain, rather than Brazil.
Big chance missed in the Group B opener as Iker Casillas denies Wesley Sneijder after the Dutch playmaker had broken free of the Spanish defence. Will Louis van Gaal's side regret that miss?
6 - Spain have won their last 6 #WorldCup games, their best ever run in the tournament. Their last four games have ended as 1-0 wins. Pro.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 13, 2014
GOAL! Stefan de Vrij makes the mistake with a foul on Costa to hand Spain a penalty, and Xabi Alonso makes no mistake from 12 yards as he earns his side a lead in Salvador.
HALF TIME: A superb header from Robin van Persie on the stroke of half time levels the scores at 1-1 in Salvador. It's been exciting viewing in Salvador so far.
Ahead of tomorrow's Group D meeting between England and Italy, Jordan Henderson has taken the opportunity to heap praise on some of his younger teammates.
"Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw have come into the squad and you can just see how fantastic they've all been in training," the midfielder told reporters. "In matches, too, they have shown exactly what they are about. They have no fear."
The match is back underway in Salvador. Can the Netherlands or Spain snatch a valuable win in the Group B opener?
GOAL! The champions are behind now as Arjen Robben keeps calm to hand the Dutch a 2-1 lead over Spain. It's a huge goal in Group B on just the second night of the tournament.
The Netherlands are inches away from going further ahead when Van Persie rattles the crossbar on the hour mark. It's looking like it could be a frustrating night for the Spaniards, they have 30 minutes to get something out of the game.
GOAL! Remarkable match going on in Salvador, with Stefan de Vrij putting the Dutch 3-1 up moments ago from close range after Casillas had failed to gather a cross. Can Spain come back from here?
GOAL! It's the second day of the tournament, and we're already being treated to something quite astonishing. Casillas makes another mistake to hand the ball straight to Van Persie, who taps into an empty net to make it 4-1. The defending champions are on their way to a heavy defeat.
GOAL! Wow. The Dutch score their FIFTH of the night when Arjen Robben dances past a demoralised Spanish defence before hammering the ball home. It's one of the most remarkable matches you will see at a World Cup.
FULL TIME: It's one for the history books. Defending champions Spain have been thrashed 5-1 by the Netherlands, who fully deserve to pick up all three points on a remarkable night in Salvador.
That stunning win for the Netherlands won't be forgotten anytime soon. They've barely been spoken about as genuine contenders, but they'll take huge confidence from beating the defending champions in such emphatic fashion. Next up this evening, it's Chile vs. Australia.
Away from tonight's match there is some worrying news for Croatia. Head coach Niko Kovac has confirmed that Luka Modric has been in hospital today with a foot problem. They can't afford to lose such an influential member of their squad.
Just over 20 minutes until Chile and Australia begin their World Cup campaigns. Good luck attempting to follow the last match! Here are the teams.
CHILE: Bravo, Jara, Mena, Medel, Isla, Aranguiz, Vidal, Diaz, Valdivia, Sanchez, Vargas
AUSTRALIA: Ryan, Franjic, Spiranovic, Wilkinson, Davidson, Bresciano, Milligan, Jedinak, Oar, Cahill, Leckie
That's all from me tonight. Daniel Lewis is here to take you three the final three hours of our live blog.
Thanks Callum! I'm still trying to take in what took place earlier tonight with the Netherlands putting five - FIVE - past holders Spain. Has the World Cup peaked already?!
Needless to say, we'll bring you all the reaction from both camps following that incredible Group B contest, as well as updates from the Chile - Australia game.
GOAL! Right on cue, Alexis Sanchez fires Chile into an early lead, keeping his composure to slot the ball home. You can follow SM live text updates of the game here.
GOAL! Incredible! Just two minutes after taking the lead, Chile add a second courtesy of Jorge Valdivia. It could be a long night for Australia.
GOAL! It's now very much game on in Cuiaba as Tim Cahill climbs highest to pull Australia right back into the contest. Remember, you can follow live updates of the game here. Meanwhile, good news for England fans as Danny Welbeck is passed fit for tomorrow night's opening game with Italy.
It's currently half time in tonight's final game between Australia and Chile. The South American side hold a 2-1 lead at the break following a trademark Tim Cahill goal to half the deficit. A full half-time report can be found here.
After the Netherlands incredible showing against Spain a couple of hours ago, it's easy to forget that Mexico also prevailed against Cameroon in their opening game. El Tricolor goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has sent a warning to hosts Brazil ahead of the meeting between the pair on Tuesday afternoon.
GOAL! Jean Beausejour's goal in the dying seconds has secured the three points for Chile in their Group B clash with Australia.
The 3-1 victory sends Chile level on points with the Netherlands at the top of Group B. Match reports from all of today's games can be found below:
We'll bring you reaction from Chile's 3-1 victory against Australia before we leave at 02:00, and round up Friday's top stories.
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It was a brave effort from Australia after falling 2-0 behind early on, and Tim Cahill is keen to take the positives into the Socceroos next game against the Netherlands.
Well that concludes SM's rolling news coverage of today's World Cup action. It's a day that will be best remembered for Spain's 5-1 reverse at the hands of the Netherlands.
Elsewhere, Mexico and Chile both got their campaigns off to winning starts with victories over Cameroon and Australia respectively.
There's plenty to look forward to on day three of the World Cup, with England kicking their campaign off with a match against Italy in Manaus. We'll be back at 11am to bring you all the latest, in the meantime we'll leave you with this image from the Netherlands' memorable victory against Spain.
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