Day Seven: Red Hot Chile Peppers The World Cup Sauce (Twilight of The Gods Edition)

Spain's dominance of global football was brought to a crushing end as they were knocked out of the World Cup by a hugely impressive Chile. The holders were knocked out of the World Cup as the Chilian side which played with pace, movement and considerable finesse consigned them to a second straight defeat in Group B. Spain become only the fifth ever holders to be eliminated in the first round of the subsequent competition and the first since France in 2002 to do so after only two matches. The defending champions were aiming to become the first nation to retain the title since Brazil in 1962 but, after losing their opening match 5-1 to the Netherlands, they surrendered their crown in a cauldron of noise in a rocking Maracana. Eduardo Vargas finished off a flowing four-man Chile move by poking in a shot to give his side an early lead. A mistake from Spain keeper Iker Casillas (who chose to punch the ball when he should have caught it) allowed Charles Aranguiz to smartly finish for Chile's second. Diego Costa had a shot blocked when played through on goal and Sergio Busquets side-footed wide from five yards as Spain failed to recoverand went out tamely. It was Chile's first competitive victory over Spain in eleven matches - and just reward for a counter-attacking masterclass. Questions will inevitably be asked about the international futures of the Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque and several of his most trusted players, such as Casillas and midfielders Xavi and Xabi Alonso. There was little sign of shock as the full-time whistle sounded; more despondency and resignation. Chile celebrated, but not wildly; they thoroughly deserved their victory and will not want to stop here. Spain must now contest a dead rubber game against Australia on 23 June, while Chile and Netherlands meet in an encounter that will determine who finishes top of Group B with the loser facing a potential second round game against Germany. Chile were tipped by many to do well in the competition, the way they recently gave England a footballing lesson at Wembley impressed many. But few would have predicted that they would administer the fatal blow to Spain and one of the game's most glittering eras. Their fans arrived in huge numbers and helped generate an incredibly noisy pre-match atmosphere, although a group of them storming the media centre before kick-off provided a sour preamble. Chile seemed to enjoy far greater representation inside the ground and the noise levels rocketed as Jorge Sampaoli's team made an encouraging start - Alonso forced into a vital goalmouth clearance before Gonzalo Jara headed narrowly wide. Spain were narrow victors when the sides met at the 2010 World Cup, and again in a friendly the following year, but needed a last-minute equaliser to snatch a draw last September. Chile have been dubbed by some the 'Spain of South America' - a reference to the Spaniards in peak form - and their pace, power , movement off the ball and pressing is a joy to behold. They opened the scoring in style after Alonso carelessly under-hit a pass, allowing the Chilian playmaker Alexis Sanchez to begin a scintillating four-man move which ended with Aranguiz squaring for Vargas to round Casillas and slot home. Spain responded positively, and predictably enjoyed plenty of possession, but Alonso shot way over the bar and Diego Costa fired wide. Del Bosque made a massive call by relegating Xavi to the substitutes' bench, moving David Silva into his attacking midfield position and using the younger, quicker Pedro on the right. But, if anything, Spain looked worse without a man who, while enduring a poor campaign and struggling in Friday's thrashing by the Netherlands, has for so long been La Roja's outfield leader, the symbol of their philosophy and one of the best players in the world. The dropping of centre-back Gerard Pique was less of a surprise but, similarly, did not benefit Spain and their defence looked no more assured or unified with Javi Martinez partnering Sergio Ramos. They needed to get to half-time without conceding again, but even that proved beyond the European champions as Casillas palmed a Sanchez free-kick straight to Aranguiz, whose control and finish with the outside of his foot was of the highest order. Spain finally rallied after the break, Andres Iniesta sending Costa clean through - but Mauricio Isla arrived from right-back with a perfectly-timed challenge. Sergio Busquets then missed an open goal from five yards following Costa's overhead kick. Isla should have extended Chile's lead only to sky a shot from close range, while at the other end Iniesta and substitute Santi Cazorla were twice denied by Claudio Bravo as Spain bowed out.

Earlier, the Netherlands had already moved to the brink of securing a place in the last sixteen as Memphis Depay gave them victory over Australia. Arjen Robben angled in a shot to put the Dutch ahead, but Tim Cahill soon equalised with a quite stunning volley. Mile Jedinak slotted in a penalty for Australia before Robin van Persie lashed home to level it at 2-2. Mathew Leckie then missed a golden chance for the Socceroos and, almost immediately, Depay sent in a twenty five-yard shot for the winner. Netherlands demolished holders Spain in their opening game and, though they came nowhere near those heights, they had enough to overcome a bold and energetic Australia at the imposing Estadio Beira-Rio in Port Alegre. Having lost to Chile in their first match, Australia's hopes of reaching the next round appeared even before the match against the Dutch to be slim, but their youthful side certainly gave the Netherlands one hell of a scare. Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said before the game that his side intended to attack - and they were true to his words in the opening exchanges. But a flash of quality from Robben saw the Netherlands take the lead against the run of play. The Bayern München forward feinted his way past Alex Wilkinson on the halfway line, raced towards the Australia goal and drove in an angled shot for his third goal of the tournament. The Socceroos responded immediately with one of the goals of the competition so far, Cahill meeting an angled ball from the right with a powerful left-foot volley which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. Had midfielder Mark Bresciano and defender Matthew Spiranovic shown the same poise, Australia could have taken the lead earlier than they did. Bresciano ran onto a low Leckie cross only to shoot over from just inside the area, while Spiranovic got away from his marker at a free-kick but side-footed an eight-yard shot straight at keeper Jasper Cillessen. Cahill and Van Persie were both ruled out of their teams' final group games after being shown their second yellow cards of the tournament, either side of Leckie having a goal disallowed after he was adjudged to have fouled Daley Blind. But Australia continued to press, and went in front when an Oliver Bozanic cross struck the hand of Daryl Janmaat and Jedinak slotted home from the spot. The lead did not last long, though, as Van Persie netted his eleventh goal in ten internationals, controlling the ball before turning and firing into the roof of the net. Australia again opened up the Dutch and Tommy Oar crossed for Leckie, who chested rather than headed the ball straight at Cillessen. But it was Depay who decided the outcome of the game, the twenty-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger curling a shot beyond the reach of Mat Ryan to give Netherlands their first victory in four games against Australia.

Cameroon failed to progress beyond the World Cup group stage once again as they slumped to a heavy defeat against Croatia. The African side fell behind in the eleventh minute as Ivica Olic fired home, and were reduced to ten men after Alex Song lashed out at Mario Mandzukic. Ivan Perisic made it 2-0 when he punished goalkeeper Charles Itanje's poor clearance, before Mandzukic headed home Croatia's third. Mandzukic added his second, tapping in after Eduardo's shot was parried. Niko Kovac's side now face Mexico in their final Group A game knowing victory would assure them of a place in the last sixteen for the first time in four attempts. But Cameroon - who played less like The Indomitable Lions and more like The Terrified Kittens - have failed to reach the second round for their fifth successive World Cup. They looked rudderless without injured captain Samuel Eto'o, and their task became more difficult when Song lost his cool five minutes before the break. The Barcelona midfielder inexplicably lashed out at Mandzukic's back as he tracked the Croatia striker, and referee Pedro Proenca had no hesitation in showing him a red card. Cameroon were already a goal down, with Olic having tapped in after a lovely pass from the impressive Perisic. Wolfsburg midfielder Perisic, who has been linked with Everton, then went close with a header before he doubled Croatia's advantage with a excellent run and finish after Itanje found him with a poor kick. Mandzukic, who was suspended for Croatia's opening game, then showed his aerial prowess by netting a powerful header following Danijel Pranjic's corner. And the Bayern München striker completed the rout with an easy tap-in after the nervy Itanje could only push substitute Eduardo's tame shot into his path. Cameroon's best attempt came in the dying seconds, when substitute Pierre Webo's overhead kick forced Stipe Pletikosa to save brilliantly. There was still time for the four-time African champions' full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto to thrust his head at team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo during an argument in stoppage time. Cameroon still have to face hosts Brazil, and will have to improve markedly in both performance and discipline if they are to avoid another embarrassment.

FIFA has, reportedly, started disciplinary proceedings against Mexico after claims of racism by their fans during their World Cup match against Cameroon last Friday. In a statement FIFA said that the inquiry was launched after what they called 'improper conduct' by Mexican fans. Tough new rules to stop such offences were introduced by FIFA last year. A first racism offence by fans or players can be punished by having to play a game behind closed doors - subsequent or more serious offences can be punished by deducting points, relegation or expulsion from a competition. Leading Fifa executives have repeatedly stated that financial sanctions have no deterrent effect. FIFA is also believed to be looking into reports of allegedly 'homophobic chanting' by Brazil's supporters and anti-Semitic and racist banners displayed by followers of Croatia and Russia.

Day Six: Belgian Jazz!

Goals from substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens saw the strongly fancied Belgiu, side overturn a 1-0 deficit against Algeria to secure victory. The North African side took a shock lead when Sofiane Feghouli scored from the spot after being fouled by Stottingtot Hotshots defender Jan Vertonghen. For a while, the so-called Golden Generation of Belgian football played more like a golden shower, unable to break down a tough, organised Algerian defence. The Scum's Afro-fuzzy barnet-sporting Fellaini equalised with a looping header, shortly after coming on in the second half. And Mertens scored the winner when he finished off a swift counter-attack. The eightieth-minute strike prompted an eruption of relief from the Belgium bench, not least from coach Marc Wilmots, who had spent most of the match looking understandably pensive. His side had sixty five per cent possession but for most of the game found it difficult to penetrate an Algeria defence marshalled by former Glasgow Rangers centre-half Madjid Bougherra. The European side, the seeded team in the group and widely tipped to do well in Brazil after an impressive qualifying campaign, fielded an imposing starting eleven, with the Moscow Chelski FC pair of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku in attack, while Spurs' Mousa Dembele and former Moscow Chelski man Kevin de Bruyne sat in midfield. Pre-tournament fifth favourites with some bookmakers, they looked anything but for sixty nine minutes. They were rocked in the twenty fourth minute when forward Feghouli was hauled down by Vertonghen in the area as he aimed to convert Faouzi Ghoulam's cross. The Valencia player recovered to sidefoot a tame penalty past another Moscow Chelski player Thibaut Courtois, who dived the wrong way. That was Algeria's first World Cup goal since 1986 - five hundred and six minutes of football. Belgium's best early chances were from long distance and fell to Zenit St Petersburg's Axel Witsel, who had two efforts saved before failing to convert a header. The pattern changed with the Belgium substitutions. First to test the goal was nineteen-year-old Lille striker Divock Origi, who forced a brilliant low save from Rais Mbolhi. Gaps began to grow in a tiring Algeria defence, and a Fellaini took advantage of that when he outmuscled marker Carl Medjani and flicked his effort beyond the reach of Mbolhi with his big hairy bonce. The winner came from a move that showed off Belgium's attack at its best. De Bruyne tackled Feghouli in his own half and when the ball found its way to Hazard on the left, the PFA young player of the year sped down the wing and fed Mertens, who slammed his shot high into the net. Belgium almost grabbed a third through Fellaini, but Mbolhi produced another good save from point-blank range.

Brazil were denied a second win at their home World Cup by a combination of lethargy and the brilliance of goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa who earned Mexico a deserved point. Neymar was denied twice by Ochoa, who dived at full stretch to push away a header before blocking the number ten's close-range shot. The keeper also denied David Luiz and produced a great late stop to keep out Thiago Silva's header. Raul Jimenez forced a good save from Brazil's Julio Cesar in stoppage time. Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were again well short of their best in a cauldron of an atmosphere at Estadio Castelao, in Fortaleza. Neymar and captain Thiago Silva had the best of Brazil's chances but were denied by the superb Ochoa. Mexico more than held their own, testing home keeper Julio Cesar through substitute Raul Jiminez and peppering his goal in a breathless second half. The result leaves both sides with a chance of topping Group A. Brazil face Cameroon in Brasilia in their final match, knowing a point will be enough to see them through. This was a game in which the hosts' reliance on the brilliance of Neymar and Oscar was exposed. Fred failed to appease his critics with a toothless display in attack, while Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo lacked imagination in midfield. It is not the first time Brazil have struggled against Mexico - no team has beaten them more often in the Twenty First Century - and they were fortunate not to lose again.
Neymar was in the thick of the action from the kick-off, dancing away from Mexico defenders, and drawing several fouls. And, it was the Barcelona striker who had the best of the early chances. From Dani Alves' cross he rose high at the back post to head powerfully towards goal. Ochoa threw himself to his right to tip the ball to safety. In Brazil the save has been compared to Gordon Banks' famous dive to keep out Pele's header in the 1970 World Cup. Ochoa made another vital save with half-time approaching, spreading himself to smother a close-range stab by Paulinho, after Silva chested on a free-kick. But Mexico gave every bit as good as they got. Oribe Peralta led wave after wave of Mexico attacks, but it was Hector Herrera and Jose Juan Vazquez who went closest before the interval with piercing shots from distance, one of which Cesar tipped over, while the other whistled just wide. Though Brazil remained short of their fluent best, the introduction of Bernard for Ramires at half-time added zip to their attack. Neymar curled a free-kick wide and went closer still as he chested down Bernard's cross and drilled a fierce low shot at goal, only for Ochoa to deny him once more. Former Sheikh Yer Man City striker Jo, on as a substitute, dragged a shot wide as Brazil became increasingly desperate for a goal. Andres Guardado fizzed a shot just over Cesar's crossbar, while the Brazil goalkeeper had to react quickly to turn away a thunderous low shot from substitute Jiminez. Mexico finished the game with purpose and belief and has at least two decent chances to win the game late on.

Former England coach Fabio Capello saw his Russia side come from behind to draw with South Korea in Group H thanks to a goal by Aleksandr Kerzhakov. The substitute drove the ball home to join Vladimir Beschastnykh as Russia's all-time top scorer with twenty six goals. South Korea had led through a long-range shot from Lee Keun-ho that squirmed through the hands of goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. The late excitement in Cuiaba was in stark contrast to much of what had gone before. South Korea had been marginally the more inventive side, although they needed a significant amount of luck to take the lead as the edgy Akinfeev gifted them the opening goal. But Capello's substitutions proved crucial for Russia, looking to build a platform from which to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since the Soviet Union reached the second phase in 1986. Son Heung-min had Korea's best two chances of the first half, linking well with The Arse striker Park Chu-Young on both occasions. But he failed to hit the target with either chance, while captain Koo Ja-cheol saw a deflected shot fly just wide. Russia had been limited to long-range efforts, Sergey Ignashevich's free-kick forcing Jung Sung-ryong into an unconvincing save. Neither goalkeeper inspired much confidence and after Jung had tipped a shot from Victor Fayzulin over the bar in the first minute of the second half, captain Vasily Berezoutski headed into the side netting from the resulting corner.

An alleged 'agenda' against Wayne Rooney could harm England's World Cup prospects Frank Lampard has claimed. Scrutiny of Rooney's place in the side intensified when the striker played in a wide role in the 2-1 loss to Italy. 'A fixation on one player - one of our most important players - is not going to help anyone,' said Lampard. Raheem Sterling, who occupied Rooney's position, said returning to their regular roles could be positive when England play Uruguay on Thursday. 'It's up to the manager to decide,' said Sterling. 'That's my normal position on the wing. So Wayne's vision and passing abilities and my running abilities, that could be a really good thing.' Sterling joked he hoped he not to see Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez on the field at the Arena de Sao Paulo, but insisted Uruguay'"have other world-class players' aside from the Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws' striker, who is recovering from injury. Sterling's impressive display against Italy has prompted further speculation that Rooney - fifth on England's all-time scoring records with thirty nine goals - could again be denied the central role he prefers. 'It's a bit frustrating from a team group perspective,' added Lampard, an unused substitute against Italy. 'A fixation can become an agenda rather than a debate.'

Howard Webb will take charge of his first match of the 2014 World Cup when Colombia face Côte d'Ivoire in Group C on Thursday. Webb officiated the 2010 final, showing Netherlands' Nigel de Jong only a yellow card despite him kicking Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso in the chest. The Rotherham-born official has been a referee at two Confederations Cups and the past two European Championships. Webb will be assisted by countrymen Michael Mullarkey and Darren Cann.

Brazilian officials say they confiscated almost forty kilos of a caramel spread from Uruguay's football team as it arrived in Brazil for the World Cup. The spread, called dulce de leche, is extremely popular in Uruguay but the Brazilian authorities said that as it was made with milk, it needed sanitary documentation which was lacking. Some fans are apparently blaming Uruguay's shock 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica on the lack of dulce de leche.

Premier League champions Shekh Yer Manchester City will start their 2014-15 Premier League campaign at yer actual keith Telly Topping's beloved (though still unsellable) Newcastle. The opening weekend of 16 August also sees promoted Burnley face Moscow Chelski FC. Louis van Gaal's The Scum host Swansea and Ronald Koeman's Southampton visit Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws. Stottingtot Hotshot will begin life under new boss Mauricio Pochettino with a local derby at The Hamsters, while the Premier League's other new manager, Alan Irvine, sends his West Bromwich Albinos side into action at home to Blunderland. Last season's Championship winners Leicester will look forward to a meeting with Everton and Queens Park Strangers's Championship play-off triumph has earned them an opening day fixture with Hull Pussycats at Loftus Road. The Arse, who ended their nine-year wait for a trophy at Wembley in the FA Cup final last month, entertain Crystal Palace.

Day Five: Eine, Zwei, Drei, Veir

Thomas Müller scored a hat-trick as Germany gave Group G rivals Portugal a trousers-down Veir-Zero spanking. The Portuguese had one of their stroppy drama queens, the defender Pepe, sent off for a - rather soft - headbutt on Müller though, by that time, they were already two goals down and heading for a heavy defeat. It was a fine, controlled, ruthlessly efficient display by the three-time champions Germany, who took the lead when Müller - playing out of position as a lone striker in front of a free-flowing midfield quintet - scored from the penalty spot after Joao Pereira fouled Mario Götzee. Mats Hummels made it 2-0 soon afterwards with a powerful header, before Pepe saw red for pushing his head at Müller in a threatening manner. Müller added his second with a side-footed finish and completed the impressive victory by poking in from close range in the last ten minutes. The incident which saw Pepe dismissed caused plenty of kerfuffle in the ITV studio with the loathsome horrorshow (and drag) Chiles whinging like a bit fat greed bucket and sacked breakfast TV flop about what a right shite state of affairs all of this malarkey was. Certainly, Müller appeared to go down over-dramatically after Pepe's hand came into contact with his face. But, Pepe's subsequent tantrum which climaxed with him hoying the heed into the German's general vicinity (albeit, not very hard) gave the referee no option but to send him off. The twenty four-year-old Müller scored five goals to win the Golden Boot in South Africa four years ago and he took his total at this tournament to eight with a sensational performance in the 'false nine' position. The result was wrapped up with plenty of time to spare, putting Germany in pole position to dominate Group G and fuelling hopes of a first World Cup triumph since 1990. Although Joachim Löw's men had won each of the last three meetings between these sides, including at the same stage of Euro 2012, Portugal actually made a decent start, with Ronaldo strutting around like he owned the place. The Real Madrid forward was troubled by knee and thigh problems in the build-up, but showed no sign of any discomfort. At least, until the first goal went in for the Germans. His break set up Hugo Almeida for a weak shot, before the two-time Ballon D'or winner beat Per Mertesacker and drew an alert save from Manuel Neuer. That scare seemed to spark Germany into life. Sami Khedira missed an open goal after a poor clearance by the Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio, but the opener soon arrived. Müller, Mesut Özil and Mario Götze were causing Portugal all manner of problems and, when the latter was hauled down after forcing his way past João Pereira, referee Milorad Mazic pointed to the spot. The penalty was tucked into the bottom corner by Müller. That settled Germany into a rhythm, executing their four-two-one-two-one formation far better than Portugal, looking solid at the back and capable of threatening every time they came forward, with pace. Nani drilled a rare Portugal effort narrowly over the bar, but Götze almost doubled the lead with a shot that was deflected wide. Then, from Toni Kroos's resultant corner, Hummels exploited Portugal's sloppy zonal marking to head powerfully past Patricio. Portugal briefly rallied, Fabio Coentrao inexplicably tried to cross for Ronaldo when he should have shot and Eder - on for the injured Almeida - headed over. But any hopes they harboured of a comeback were dashed when Müller fell after what looked like a flailing arm from Pepe had caught him in the mush. Pepe reacted by bending down and nudging his head against that of the German. Portugal coach Bento seemed appalled at the Real Madrid defender's actions, and Portugal's afternoon deteriorated further when Bruno Alves struck a clearance straight into the body of Müller, who reacted sharply to lash a shot under Patricio. The contrast on the two benches as the half-time whistle blew was stark - all smiles and high-fives among the Germans, bowed heads, dejection and faces like a smacked arse among the Portuguese - and the interval did little to change things. The Müller-Özil-Götze combination continued to wreak havoc and they combined again as Götze slipped Özil though, but The Arse playmaker was denied by Patricio and Müller headed the rebound over. The only downside for Löw's side was a knee injury to Hummels but Portugal had plenty to ponder, not least the irate Ronaldo, who was furious not to earn a penalty for Benedikt Höwedes challenge on Eder and got all stroppy and discombobulated like a Big Girl with the referee. Their day would get worse still, though, when Müller completed the rout after substitute André Schürrle's drive was repelled. Oh, and Angela Merkel was there and got jolly excited. Which was nice.

'Well, we were due a dud sooner or later,' Gary Lineker told BBC viewers as, after twelve really very good matches in the 2014 World Cup over the first four days, thirteen proved to be one game too far. Iran and a hugely disappointing Nigeria served up a drab, quality free goalless bore draw in Curitiba. Nigeria dominated possession but created few chances against a disciplined side managed by ex-The Scum coach Carlos Queiroz. The Super Eagles' best opportunities came in the first half when Ogenyi Onazi fired a yard wide before Ahmed Musa went close with a free-kick. Iran's Reza Ghoochannejad forced once great save from Vincent Enyeama. And that was pretty much it as far as the action was concerned. African champions Nigeria were fancied to go through with Argentina from the group, but the pressure is now on them to beat the section's only European side, Bosnia, who so impressed in their first ever World Cup match on Sunday. Iran, on the other hand, will be buoyed by this result. They performed diligently, with Queiroz getting the best out of a group of players who stuck rigidly to the unambitious tactics employed. Their conservative approach, with midfielders Javad Nekounam and Andranik Timotian as an extra line of defence for the backline, frustrated Nigeria. Stephen Keshi's side were limited to only a couple of chances despite having the lion's share of possession. The first fell to Lazio forward Onazi, who slammed his shot wide before Musa almost caught out goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi with his quick thinking from a free-kick. Ironically, Iran had the best chance to score despite their only effort on goal coming when Charlton Not Very Athletic's Ghoochannejad, who spent much of his career to date playing in the Dutch and Belgian leagues, forced a excellent reaction save from Enyeama, playing in his third World Cup. Keshi - the mastermind behind Nigeria's unexpected Cup of Nations win last year - tinkered with his attack after the break by bringing on former Newcastle stalwart Big Shola Ameobi and Peter Odemwingie of Dirty Stoke. The tactical swaps almost paid dividends in the seventy first minute, when Ameobi - almost certainly the first person who went to the same school as this blogger to appear in a World Cup finals - headed wide from eight yards. 'You'd expect him to hit the target from there,' claimed Kevin Kilbane commentating on the BBC. Not if you've spent the last fourteen years watching Big Shola's singular inability to head a ball on target from the Gallowgate End you wouldn't, Kev. The former Magpie had another chance in the closing minutes, but on that occasion his header was easily cleared by Mehrdad Pooladi. That draw now means Nigeria have not won a World Cup match in nine attempts - the longest streak in the competition.

John Brooks headed a late winner for the USA in a dramatic finale to their opening Group G game against Ghana. Clint Dempsey put USA ahead on twenty nine seconds with the fifth-fastest goal in World Cup history, cutting inside John Boye before sweeping home. Ghana upped the tempo and equalised when Andre Ayew latched on to Asamoah Gyan's backheel to fire in a leveller. USA looked tired but Brooks nodded in from six yards following a corner to give his side a winning start. The victory also gave the Americans a measure of revenge for being knocked out of the past two World Cups by Ghana. Ghana exited the World Cup four years ago in tears, when Gyan's missed penalty in the last minute of extra-time against Uruguay denied them the chance to become the first African side to reach the semi-finals. They fell behind within the first minute, Dempsey collecting a Jermaine Jones pass on the left wing, cut inside right-back Boye and shot into the far corner. Ghana struggled to mount a response as the USA consolidated their lead with a work-rate and organisation that kept their rivals at bay. Indeed, Jurgen Klinsmann's side should have extended their lead. Striker Jozy Altidore controlled a low, right-wing cross but his shot from ten yards was blocked by Boye. That was Altidore's last major act of the game, a hamstring injury seeing him replaced by Aron Johannsson. USA centre-back Matt Besler also left the field injured, and his exit, combined with Ghana increasing the pace of their play, resulted in the Black Stars piling the pressure on Tim Howard's goal. Most of the chances fell to Gyan, but he nodded high from ten yards when unmarked before having another header tipped wide by Howard. Gyan may not have scored, but he set up his side's equaliser as his lovely backheel teed up Ayew to shoot home with the outside of his right foot. It seemed Ghana might have enough time to engineer a winner, but Hertha Berlin defender Brooks had other ideas, and his first international goal following Graham Zusi's corner proved decisive.

The BBC has, reportedly, received four hundred and forty five complaints from viewers - seemingly, with nothing better to do with their time - about Phil Neville's commentary on England's World Cup match against Italy. Neville, the former The Scum and Everton player, was criticised for his 'lack of emotion' and 'monotone' style. In response, Neville told BBC Radio 5Live that the TV role was 'a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.' Despite the complaints, the BBC said the footballer would continue to play 'a key role throughout the tournament.' A spokesperson added Neville - who is currently a coach for The Scum and has received broadcast training - was 'an important, well-respected member of our team.' Neville told sports presenter Mark Chapman that he 'welcomed' the feedback on his performance: 'In terms of the content I got out, I thought [it] was quite good. But the feedback is that I need to show a bit more excitement, so I think you'll see that more on Thursday night in the highlights show. I will get better - it was my first live gig and I'm just glad I helped everyone get to sleep back home!' The broadcaster Danny Baker was among his critics but said that the BBC should share the blame. 'Phil Neville has acknowledged he wasn't great during England commentary - but what were the BBC doing giving him that game to "learn his craft?"' he said.

Russia coach Fabio Capello has banned his players from using Twitter during the World Cup. The Italian, whose team face South Korea in their opening Group H match on Tuesday, insisted he was not cutting off contact with fans and media. The sixty seven-year-old former England boss said: 'Tweets sometimes can be a nuisance if they are not written in an intelligent fashion. To prevent such a nuisance, I'd rather ask my players to abstain for a month.' Capello, who failed to guide England past the second round at the 2010 World Cup, celebrates his sixty eighth birthday on Wednesday. He added: 'I never expect presents from anyone or anywhere.'

And finally, good old mad as toast Mario Balotelli has shared his vision of an Italy all-star World Cup team, filling up the squad's pages in this year's Panini sticker album with images of himself. The striker, who headed in the Azzurri's winning goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory over England and is, of course, no stranger to self-referential humour, placed the stickers on each of his team-mates' spaces in the book before posting the result on his official Facebook page on Monday, accompanied by the now-familiar meme: 'Why always me?' His splurge will come as a particular blow to avid collectors seeking sticker number three hundred and thirty five to complete their set: judging by the boxes and discarded stickers of other players, strewn around the album on his photograph, it took no small amount of effort to acquire the fourteen stickers necessary to complete a team of Balotellis.

Day Four: Over The Line & Over The Top

Karim Benzema scored twice as France became the first team to benefit from goalline technology at a World Cup in their easy victory over ten-man Honduras. The moment occurred in the forty eighth minute for France's second goal, when the system ruled that keeper Noel Valladares had nudged Karim Benzema's shot over the line. The Real Madrid forward had given France the lead from the penalty spot after Paul Pogba had been fouled by Wilson Palacios. Benzema also added a late third with a vicious strike from a tight angle. The match will be remembered for that historic moment when the GoalControl tool was called into action and when the BBC's own tool, Jonathan Pearce, had 'a moment' live on air (see below). Brazilian referee Sandro Meira Ricci awarded the goal straight away as Benzema's sidefoot effort came off the far post, rolled across the line, bounced off Noel Valladares and appeared to fully cross the line before the keeper could claw the ball back into play. At first the system ruled 'No Goal', causing some confusion inside the Porto Alegre stadium when that message was displayed on the big screen (and, much confusion inside the empty mind of Pearce). But that was for the initial hit off the post. A second judgement then came on whether the ball crossed the line after coming off the Honduras keeper. Which it had. Despite the technology showing the ball had clearly crossed the line, Honduras players and coaching staff remonstrated with the officials and whinged like a bunch of girls. Already well on top, France never looked back from the moment that Benzema converted from the spot just before the interval, shortly after Palacios had picked up a second yellow card for a moment of utter stupidity. Palacios's clumsy, premeditated foul on Pogba, with whom he had clashed earlier in the first half, was going to result only in one outcome and left Honduras facing an exercise in damage limitation. But they could have had little to complain about regarding the end result. This game always had the potential to be feisty. The pre-match build-up had been dominated with talk about Honduras's physical approach, on the back of their goalless draw with England in Miami, when Steven Gerrard complained about some 'horrific' challenges. Luis Fernando Suárez had protested that Honduras 'can't be called a violent team' but the manager's words had a hollow ring to them inside the opening forty five minutes here. The match was stop-start and already riddled with fouls when Pogba and Palacios tangled inside the Honduras half, prompting a melee and a couple of yellow cards. It was a sign of things to come. When the two players fell to the ground, Palacios appeared to stamp on Pogba, prompting an angry reaction from the young Frenchman, who kicked out at the Honduras midfielder. While Pogba's frustration was perhaps understandable, he could count himself fortunate that the Brazilian referee took a lenient view of a clear act of retaliation. Palacios hardly covered himself in glory with the way that he threw himself to the ground and there was a sense that the feud might not have come to an end. So it proved later in the half, when the Dirty Stoke midfielder picked up a second yellow card for a ridiculous foul on Pogba that smacked of retribution. Barging Pogba in the back as the Juventus midfielder tried to take Yohan Cabaye's immaculate cross on his chest, Palacios left the referee with no option but to send him off. Benzema calmly dispatched the resulting spot-kick, sending Valladares the wrong way. France had already gone close before the penalty through Blaise Matuidi, when his shot was pushed over by Valladares and through the exceptional Antoine Griezmann, whose header struck the bar. For France, who had far too much class for limited opponents, it was a matter of how much they wanted to twist the knife in a second half littered with further examples of the Honduran physical approach. With the superb Cayabe influential in the centre of midfield, Les Bleus continued to dominate and added a second in the forty eighth minute when Benzema's shot came back off the upright and Valladares pushed the rebound over the line. There was no doubt about his third. Diminutive Mathieu Valbuena - who also had a great game - delivered an excellent free-kick from the right which found Griezmann. The young Real Sociedad winger's low drive was blocked, as was a follow-up by Mathieu Debuchy, but there was Benzema to blast the rebound into the roof of the net. France can now seal their passage into the knock-out round with victory over neighbours Switzerland on Friday. The painful memories of South Africa will soon begin to fade if this is a sign of things to come from Didier Deschamps and his players. Inspired by Benzema, who was left out of the squad that created such a furore at the World Cup four years ago, France got off to the perfect start in Brazil over a Honduras side that did nothing to alter their reputation for playing ugly. France were brilliant and should, rightly, be considered as strong contenders for the title even though in this match they were playing a team of klodhopping numskulls and this match had all of the competitive qualities of Sheikh Yer Man City versus Hartlepool. Nevertheless, it'll be good to see them up against a proper footballing side. Although looking at the rest of their group, that might be while coming.

BBC commentator - and daft plank - Jonathan Pearce felt the wrath of Twitter after his apparent failure to understand the concept of goal-line technology. The BBC veteran worked himself up into a right old frenzy during Sunday's clash between France and Honduras, when the goalkeeper Noel Valladares clearly bundled Karim Benzema's shot over his own goal-line early in the second half, to double France's lead. The Real Madrid forward's effort hit the inside of one post and rolled along the line but, as Valladares tried to claw it away, he could only push the ball momentarily over the line before eventually scrambling it clear. The technology system did exactly what it was supposed to and immediately picked up the fact that the ball had crossed the line, awarding France the goal. But, the former Robot Wars commentator Pearce seemingly struggled to understand the basic concept, despite co-commentator Martin Keown's best efforts at an explanation. Jeez, when Martin Keown understands something and you don't, it's time to go back to school, frankly. The first stage of the replay showed Benzema's effort hit the inside of the post, where the whole ball hadn't - at that stage - crossed the line, before moving on to show the goalkeeper's mishap resulting in the goal. 'Well, look at the boos and the Honduran players. And look at this again. We've seen so many spurious goal line technology replays. And it signals no goal,' bellowed the gormless berk. 'No goal has gone up on the screen. The fans have heard it, the Honduran players have seen it. Oh, goodness me, they've changed their minds now. Does goal line technology work or doesn't it? Which replay are we supposed to believe? This was supposed to be a flawless system.' As Pearce began ranting that the referee couldn't give a goal if he had any doubt, Keown - showing the patience of a man trying to explain quantum physics to a mollusc - said: 'Yes, but it the ball was over the line on the second instance.' Pearce, though, wasn't having it and continued for the rest of the game to whinge about the allegedly 'controversial' second goal. Which drew the great and the good to Twitter to call Pearce a daft plank.. Check out some of the best ones here. And, here. Pearce's horrific night was compounded when he later called another goal for France when the ball had, in fact, hit the side netting. Back in the studio even Robbie Savage took the piss out of him, the clearest case this blogger has ever seen of the blond leading the bland. Speaking of Savage, as Peter Lack on the excellent Gallfriey Base World Cup Thread noted, the former Welsh international and current pain in the arse spent the entire evening 'carrying the countenance of a teenager who has won a competition to appear in the BBC studio alongside real footballers.' Though, as yer actual Keith Telly Topping noted, to be fair, he does that every week. Actually, he used to play like that as well.

Substitute Haris Seferovic scored in the third minute of stoppage time to earn Switzerland a dramatic win over Ecuador in their opening Group E match. Seferovic turned in Ricardo Rodriguez's low cross as Ottmar Hitzfeld's side came back from behind to claim victory. Fellow substitute Admir Mehmedi headed Switzerland level after Enner Valencia had given Ecuador a half-time lead. Valencia's header from a Walter Ayovi free-kick was his fifth goal in successive games for his country.

He may be 'football's cleverest man' with ten A-grade GSCEs, but Clarke Carlisle clearly isn't too good on geography. The former Premier League defender was in ITV's commentary box for Ecuador's group opener against Switzerland. After the South American's took an early lead through Enner Valencia's header, Carlisle slickly attempted to lavish praise on Ecuador's strike options. 'When Jackson Martinez can't get in the side, they must be pretty good,' spouted the man who won Britain's Brainiest Footballer in 2002. Unfortunately for Clarke, the side that Martinez can't get into is Columbia he being, you know, Columbian.

Lionel Messi scored a superb goal as Argentina began their World Cup campaign with a rather underwhelming win over World Cup débutants Bosnia-Hercegovina. Argentina went ahead when Messi's free-kick was put into his own net by defender Sead Kolasinac. Messi then played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuain, jinked past two defenders and rifled in to make it 2-0. The goal lifted Argentina and, despite Vedad Ibisevic slotting in late on for Bosnia-Hercegovina, they held on. All eyes were on Messi in the first game of the tournament at The Maracana stadium in Rio and, even though the four-time World Player of the Year took time to get going, he announced his arrival in sparkling style with his goal. The strike was his second World Cup goal in nine games and provided the one piece of mesmerising magic Messi managed in a game in which he and Argentina improved the longer it progressed. The blue and white of Argentina fans was prominent at the spiritual home of fierce rivals and hosts Brazil, although they had to watch on as a disciplined Bosnia stifled their side for most of the first half. There was huge hype around Messi and Argentina getting their campaign under way, and the forward helped his side take an early lead with his first meaningful touch. He supplied the left wing free-kick which was flicked on by team-mate Rojo before the ball came off defender Kolasinac and went into his own net. However, Argentina rarely looked like adding to the goal as they lacked pace and invention, while regularly giving the ball away. Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella brought on Higuain and Fernando Gago after the break and the move from three-five-two to four-three-three worked as La Albiceleste had more urgency about them after the reshuffle. The improvement culminated in Messi's eye-catching goal. He played a one-two with Higuain before his balance, poise and pace helped him to evade two Bosnia defenders on the way to arrowing in an eighteen-yard shot off the inside of the post. Bosnia gave Argentina some late concern when Lulic slipped a pass through for Vedad Ibisevic to angle in a low shot with six minutes left, but Sabella's side avoided any more scares.

England have changed from relying on long balls to a skilful side with 'one of the strongest attacks in the World Cup', says Italy boss Cesare Prandelli. Mario Balotelli's header gave the Azzurri victory in their Group D opener after Daniel Sturridge cancelled out Claudio Marchisio's early strike. 'It was an epic match and I feel that England is one of the strongest teams in the World Cup,' said Prandelli. 'They have changed a lot, and I am so satisfied. We played a great game.' England were deservedly knocked out of Euro 2012 by Italy after a quarter-final penalty shoot-out, having struggled to create any chances of note. But two years on, Roy Hodgson's youthful side created numerous opportunities in Manaus, with Wayne Rooney spurning a good chance to level when he pulled a shot wide at the near post. 'We don't have players who are as powerful as England's but we have technically skilled players, and in the first half we had better ball possession,' said Prandelli. 'Until just a few years ago, England relied on long balls but they are now a skilled team with excellent triangular passing.' Prandelli said it was 'crazy' there were no time-outs or drink breaks in the intense heat and humidity of Manaus, but was pleased with how his team coped with the energy-sapping environment. 'We suffered, but the response of the players to the conditions was extraordinary,' he said.

Match Of The Day Live had overnight ratings figures of 11.51 million punters between 10.20pm and 1.30am with a peak of 15.64 million around 11:40. Just over twelve million viewers were still around at 12.45am, during the match's final few minutes. This is said to be one of the highest rated programme ever shown after 11pm in over eighty years of television broadcasting in the UK. It had the the third highest audience share ever recorded for a single broadcast (seventy eight per cent) and the highest average audience ever recorded for its time slot. In comparison, the audience for England's first match at the 2010 World Cup against the USA peaked at twenty million, with an average of 16.1 million - but that game kicked off at half-past-six in the afternoon. The ratings, of course, only count people watching at home and on TV. Before the match, the British Beer and Pub Association estimated that three million people would watch in pubs and bars. Although where, exactly, they got that figure from, they didn't say. Thousands more saw the match on big screens at the Isle of Wight music festival, where fans had to choose between watching the football or The Red Hot Chili Peppers on the main stage. Most, wisely, chose the football. Earlier in the day, an average of 5.46 million watched Costa Rica cause an upset, beating Uruguay 3-1. The match, on ITV, peaked at its conclusion with 7.11 million at 9.45pm. Over eight million overnight punters watched The Netherlands demolish the reigning champions Spain in the World Cup on Friday evening as the BBC's coverage dominated Friday's ratings. The rematch of the 2010 World Cup final, which the Dutch won 5-1 in a scintillating display of attacking football was seen by an average audience of 8.22 million from 7.30pm on BBC1, a fraction more than the audience ITV had for the Brazil versus Croatia game the night before. The audience peaked at 11.05 million around 9.30pm. Just around the time Arjen Robben was knocking in the fifth goal, in fact. ITV's coverage of Cameroon versus Mexico earlier in the day was watched by an average audience of 3.33 million from 4pm, while the late game between Chile and Australia was seen by 3.1 million from 10.30pm.

Yer actual Keith Telly Topping can't stand Thierry Henry, dear blog reader. Never could. Great player, of course, no question about that. But, he knows it. There's an arrogance about him that this blogger, personally, has always found extremely distasteful. Plus, he's one of those blokes that always seems to walk around with a look on his face like he's just smelled shit nearby. However, this is not an opinion that's share by many others and he does appear to have been something of a hit as a pundit for the BBC at this World Cup. At least, if social media is any indication (which, despite what the Gruniad Morning Star would have you believe, it really is). However, comments he made during the England versus Italy game have reawakened one of the most controversial moments of his career. One of the main incidents from the first-half was a penalty shout from the Italians from what appeared to be handball against Glen Johnson. Henry - along with Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer - put forward a solid case for the England defender not being penalised - noting that as Johnson had his hands by his side, the referee was probably correct not to award a spot kick. Then Gary Lineker asked, mischievously:: 'Ever get away with a handball, Thierry?' The reference, of course, was to Henry's deliberate handball against Ireland in their World Cup play-off in 2009 which wasn't spotted by the referee and led to a goal. Many in Ireland still claim that one incident cost the Republic their place at the finals. Henry laughed off the comment saying: 'No, never.' At that point the shit really hit the fan across the Irish sea. They've got long memories in the Emerald Isle, obviously. I mean, look they still hate us over The Potato Famine (not entirely undeservedly, either).

And finally dear blog reader, a thought for the day. George Best never appeared in a World Cup finals. Neither did Ryan Giggs. But, today, Shola Ameobi might. Truly, it is a strange, strange world we live in.

Day Three: Optimism Is For Other People

England's World Cup campaign opened with defeat against Italy in the steamy heat of the Arena Amazonia in Manaus. Mario Balotelli's header just after the break settled an entertaining game after Daniel Sturridge had equalised Claudio Marchisio's fine strike. England were, ultimately, undone by defensive vulnerability in a display which possibly deserved a draw and contained plenty that would have pleased manager Roy Hodgson. But, despite the - for once, genuine - 'plenty of positives to take from the game' thing, the bottom line is that England now face a scrap for survival against Uruguay - and probably Luis Suarez - in Sao Paulo after Oscar Tabarez's men surprisingly lost to Costa Rica. England's players tired visibly towards the end of a game played in the tropical climate of Brazil's Amazonian rainforest and Hodgson must hope not too much energy has been drained from his players. There was also a blow for England's backroom staff as physiotherapist Gary Lewin was taken off on a stretcher after being injured celebrating Sturridge's goal. That sort of summed up the night, really. Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws' Raheem Sterling made a stand-out contribution after he was selected to start and England looked a constant threat going forward until they ran out of steam in a humid and oppressive atmosphere. Italy produced moments of quality and struck the woodwork through Antonio Candreva and a late free-kick from Andrea Pirlo, who defied his thirty five years and the environment to stroll through the game with his trademark quality and class. England now fly back to Rio to recover knowing they will threaten any side in their group, but further repeats of defensive frailties could be fatal for their World Cup ambitions. Hodgson's decision to play Sterling ahead of Adam Lallana was a bold one - and the youngster more than repaid the faith shown in him. He illustrated exactly why Hodgson had chosen him in the opening moments with pace and a shot that flew inches wide with Italy keeper Salvatore Sirigu, deputising for the injured Gianluigi Buffon, beaten. Sirigu then saved from Jordan Henderson but Italy, with Pirlo inevitably the orchestrator, were causing problems of their own as the left-sided link of Leighton Baines and Rooney looked very much like a work in progress. England were a real threat, albeit this was coupled with flaws at the back, and it took a crucial touch from Italy defender Andrea Barzagli to divert Danny Welbeck's cross away with Sturridge waiting to apply the finishing touch. Italy took the lead on thirty five minutes, Pirlo deceiving Sturridge with a clever dummy following a corner, setting up Marchisio to drill a low shot from twenty five yards through a crowded penalty box and past Joe Hart. England needed a swift response and delivered it almost instantly. Sterling's pass cut through the right-hand side of Italy's defence and Rooney offered up the perfect invitation for Sturridge to steer in his cross at the far post. Italy ended the half on top as Phil Jagielka headed off the line from Balotelli and Candreva struck the post from a tight angle. Hodgson addressed the problems on England's left flank by switching Welbeck from the right to start the second half - but this was once again the source of problems as Italy regained the lead five minutes after the break. Baines could not prevent Candreva getting in a cross, and Balotelli escaped from Gary Cahill to score with a simple header at the far post.

Costa Rica produced a breathtaking second-half revival at Estadio Castelao to beat an unconvincing Uruguay for the first time in their history in their Group D opener. The historic victory was inspired by The Arse striker Joel Campbell, who scored one and made another in the first match in England's group. Edinson Cavani slotted in a first-half penalty to put Uruguay in front after Junior Diaz fouled Diego Lugano. But, after the break, the very impressive Joel Campbell lashed in a left-foot leveller and defender Oscar Duarte guided in a low header to give Costa Rica the lead. Substitute Marcos Ureña raced onto Campbell's through-ball and clipped his shot beyond Fernando Muslera. To make matters worse, Uruguay had Maximiliano Pereira sent off in injury time for a thoroughly spiteful challenge on Campbell.

This was Costa Rica's first World Cup victory since 2002, and only their fourth in the tournament's history, against a Uruguay side missing the injured Luis Suarez. Uruguay looked in control for the opening fifty minutes. Cavani wasted a good early chance after Costa Rica failed to clear a Diego Forlan free-kick, with the Paris St-Germain striker slicing high and wide with the goal at his mercy. He soon made up for that miss. Costa Rica defender Yeltsin Tejeda conceded a needless free-kick wide on the Uruguay left and when Forlan curled the set-piece into the area, Junior Diaz tried to stop Uruguay captain Diego Lugano by wrapping his arms around his waist. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Cavani did the rest, steering a piercing low shot beyond Keylor Navas's dive and into the bottom corner. The goal settled nerves. Uruguay's passing improved, as did their movement. Forlan, the player of the tournament in 2010, might have made it 2-0 before half-time when his shot struck Duarte's leg, deflecting it high into the air and requiring Navas to pull off an acrobatic save. Costa Rica, though, were about to turn the game on its head with Campbell - who is yet to make his debut for The Arse despite signing for the club in 2011 - to the fore. The striker, who spent last season on loan at Olympiacos, first arrowed a shot narrowly wide from thirty yards, while Giancarlo Gonzales might have scored twice, missing a difficult headed chance and seeing a scrambled toe-poke deflected into the side-netting. But, in the space of three second-half minutes, the game changed beyond recognition. First, Cristian Gamboa chased a seemingly lost cause wide on the right flank, reaching the ball on the byeline. He delivered a cross which flicked off the head of Celso Borges and fell to Campbell, who controlled and fired beyond Muslera. Two minutes later, they swept forward again and Walter Gargano conceded a free-kick for a crude tackle on Bryan Ruiz. Christian Bolanos's delivery was pin-point, Duarte's low header was brave, the finish sublime. With time running out, Costa Rica broke forward again and Ureña raced away from Godin and Lugano and swept the ball beyond Muslera to seal a deserved victory for Los Ticos.

Colombia made an impressive start to their Group C campaign as an early Pablo Armero strike set them on the way to a comfortable win over a very lacklustre Greece. The Napoli defender rolled in Juan Cuadrado's fifth-minute cut-back. Teofilo Gutierrez, leading Colombia's attack in the absence of the injured Radamel Falcao, then touched in from a James Rodriguez corner after the break. Theofanis Gekas headed Greece's best chance against the bar, before Rodriguez steered in a late third. It was a very solid showing from Colombia, who are looking to progress beyond the last sixteen of a World Cup for the first time after finishing runners-up to Argentina in South American qualifying. But the pressure is on attacking talents such as Gutierrez and Rodriguez to produce goals after Monaco forward Falcao, their nine-goal top scorer in the qualification campaign, was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. He did his bit to help his compatriots by offering hugs and moral support to his team-mates in the tunnel before the match. And cheered on by the majority of the crowd at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Jose Pekerman's side responded with a goal inside the first five minutes. It was a far from spectacular goal - and television replays showed three Colombia players were standing in offside positions - but the left-back and his team-mates celebrated with an eye-catching dance in front of their bench. The craft of Monaco midfielder Rodriguez and pace of Cagliari forward Victor Ibarbo threatened repeatedly to cause further damage to the Greece back-line, although they had to be patient before the rewards came. And Pekerman's defence had to survive some difficult moments themselves, with Panagiotis Kone unable to take either of two chances that came his way. It was a frustrating afternoon for Greece, who lacked enough adventure to find a way back into the match. After the impressive Rodriguez had ended a run with a shot from outside the area that keeper Orestis Karnezis beat away, he then delivered the corner that led to Colombia's second goal, with Abel Aguilar flicking on at the near post for an unattended Gutierrez to touch in from inside the six-yard box. Gekas, preferred to Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou in attack, capped a day to forget when he headed Vasilis Torosidis's nod back against the bar from six yards. Colombia sealed victory with a stylish late goal, as the exciting Fiorentina midfielder Cuadrado burst to the edge of the penalty area before setting up Rodriguez to guide a shot into the corner of the net.

In the wee small hours of Sunday morning, UK time, Côte d'Ivoire scored two goals in as many minutes as they came from behind to get their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with hard-fought victory over Japan. The Elephants trailed to a stunning Keisuke Honda strike in the first half. But the introduction of Didier Drogba, who started on the bench, inspired the comeback, with Wilfried Bony equalising after meeting Serge Aurier's cross. Aurier also provided the cross for former The Arse forward Gervinho to head the winner. The victory at Recife's Arena Pernambuco moved the Ivorians level on three points at the top of Group C with Colombia. Côte d'Ivoire, appearing in their third World Cup, have never always found themselves in rock groups and have gone past the initial stages despite some impressive, eye catching performances but they will fancy their chances this time around after a spirited performance. However, it all looked to be going wrong for manager Sabri Lamouchi, who surprisingly left the former Moscow Chelski FC striker Drogba on the bench and saw his side fall behind. Asian champions Japan - the first team to qualify for the World Cup - were sharp and nimble in possession and took the lead with a goal of real quality from Honda on sixteen minutes. The AC Milan midfielder collected a pass across the box, took one touch and then drove home powerfully into the top corner with his left foot. Côte d'Ivoire had their moments, with midfielder Yaya Toure showing occasional glimpses of his destructive power, while Bony was guilty of wasting several chances. And, Cheik Tioté spent most of the match kicking people. So, no change there, then. But shortly after Drogba's introduction, Swansea striker Bony equalised, leaping to glance a fizzing Aurier cross into the far corner. Two minutes later, another drilled Aurier centre was met by Gervinho and his header squirmed past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. Drogba twice went close to finding the net in the closing stages as Lamouchi's side finished strongly to leave Japan with an uphill battle to stay in the tournament.

Robin van Persie praised the Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal for masterminding the team's crushing 5-1 win over reigning world champions Spain. Van Persie scored two goals along with Arjen Robben, while Stefan de Vrij also netted as Spain were humbled and humiliated at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. But Van Persie - who led the line magnificently for the Dutchies - attributed the emphatic win to the tactics of Van Gaal, his new manager at The Scum. 'This is definitely down to him,' said the thirty-year-old. Van Persie cancelled out Xabi Alonso's penalty with a sublime diving header before goals by Bayern München's Robben (who was, also, outstanding) and Feyenoord defender De Vrij made it 3-1. Two goals in the space of eight minutes by Van Persie and Robben completed Spain's embarrassment. 'If you see how he prepared us, and how he predicted the game would go, and you see how it went - unbelievable,' added Van Persie about Van Gaal. 'For the whole Netherlands, this is a dream come true.' Van Gaal, who will take over at Old Trafford after the tournament, was delighted with his team's win. Although, you'd never have known it from his face which, to this blogger, always seems to resemble a chap whose finger has just gone through the toilet paper. 'With strikers like Van Persie, Robben and Wesley Sneijder behind them, things like this can happen,' he said. Van Gaal's side face Australia next on 18 June in Porto Alegre and the former Barcelona boss urged caution despite getting their campaign off to a flying start. 'We don't have anything yet,' he added. 'We've made a pretty start. If you beat Australia [on Wednesday], then you've made a good start.' Meanwhile, the fall out from Spain's calamitous defeat has started with goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas accepting responsibility for the reigning champions' disastrous defeat. 'I wasn't at the level I needed to be. I have to accept all criticism. I didn't do things like I should have, especially to start a World Cup,' said Casillas, who was at fault for the third goal and was dispossessed by Van Persie for the fourth whilst trying to be clever.

Meanwhile, there was much talk in the media centred around the truly disastrous night for Casillas which occurred whilst his wife, Sara Carbonero, was reporting on the game for the Spanish broadcaster Mediaset. For those who don't know, Iker and Sara are, kind of, the Posh and Becks of Spain - he's a footballer, she's pretty and gets on TV a lot. During the 2010 World Cup it was alleged that Carbonero, reporting pitchside during the match between Spain and Switzerland, had distracted Casillas, thus causing the unexpected Swiss victory. The allegations were made in the English press, originally by Graham Keeley of The Times and later repeated by several other English newspapers, prompting the Madrid-based Spanish newspapers El Mundo, El País and Marca to all run articles suggesting that the claims were preposterous and untrue. Nevertheless, questions were also raised about Sara's journalistic integrity after she undertook to interview her then boyfriend Casillas immediately after the match. In July 2009, she was was voted 'The Sexiest Reporter in the World' by the American edition of FHM. Which sort of says it all, really. According to the Daily Scum Mail, Carbonero 'lit up the media centre' while other news outlets credited Casillas's wife as 'adding a touch of Spanish glamour' to an otherwise catastrophic night for Vicente Del Bosque's men. But, how awkward must it have been for the poor woman to have to report on her husband's shambolic performance? She was, apparently, 'as professional as ever.'

A good luck message from the Australian Prime Minister to the national football team at the World Cup was somewhat undermined when Tony Abbott got The Socceroos' captain's name wrong. Wearing a team scarf draped over his suit - and looking like a right proper plonker as all politicians do when they try to be 'blokey' and 'down with the man in the pub' - Abbott greeted skipper Mile Jedinak as 'Mike' in a video posted online before the Ange Postecoglou-coached Socceroos' Group B opener against Chile on Friday. Yeah. That's the sort of thing that usually happens. 'Ange, Mike [sic] and The Socceroos, in this World Cup you have the opportunity to make the world game our national game,' Abbott said. 'Throughout this cup we'll burn the midnight oil as you take the field in our name.' Almost, but not quite, as embarrassing as Ed Milimolimandi trying a similar arse-lick trick by being photographed with a copy of the Sun, which instantly offended just about everyone on Merseyside (and, indeed, beyond).

Ants have, reportedly, been found in a Uruguayan players' bed, according to a report in the Gruniad Morning Star. The team's goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera, posted a picture on Twitter of the ants but played down their significance. 'It was funny more than anything else,' he said. 'But it was fine. [The hotel staff] came straight away and changed the sheets and we slept well.'

FIFA has opened a disciplinary case against the Argentina FA in response to an incident in which players displayed a banner in support of their country's claims to the Falkland Islands. The Argentina team posed with a banner supporting a campaign to claim sovereignty of the British Overseas Territory before a 2-0 friendly win against Slovenia in La Plata on 7 June. Football's global governing body will investigate potential breaches relating to 'team misconduct' and 'prevention of provocative and aggressive actions.' The UK and Argentina, of course, went to war over the Falklands from April until June 1982. Argentina open their World Cup campaign against Bosnia-Hercegovina on Sunday, before also facing Iran and Nigeria in Group F.

Day Two: Dutch Masters

The referee who awarded Brazil their controversial penalty should not be officiating at the World Cup, according Croatia defender Dejan Lovren. The hosts won the opening game 3-1, but with the score at 1-1 with twenty minutes left, Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura judged Lovren to have pulled down Fred, despite there seemingly being minimal contact between the two. Neymar scored to give Brazil a 2-1 lead, before Oscar's late third. 'It's a scandal - this referee should not be at this World Cup,' said Lovren. The Southampton player added: 'I don't know for what he deserved to be here. It's really disappointing for us because we were playing a good game against a big team. Two billion people I think saw that it was not a penalty. I didn't touch him. We're really disappointed but what can you do against twelve players? You can't do anything. I'm sad, that's it, because we played a good match and the referee - it wasn't a mistake, it was a scandal.' Fellow defender Vedran Corluka thought that the decision was 'embarrassing.' Croatia coach Niko Kovac stated that Croatia might as well 'give up and go home. We talk about respect, that wasn't respect, Croatia didn't get any. If that's a penalty, we don't need to play football any more. Let's play basketball instead. It's a shame,' said the forty two-year-old. 'If you continue like this you will have one hundred penalties. I think two and a half billion people watching on TV saw this was not a penalty.' The decision came at a pivotal moment in the match. Brazil were dominating possession with Croatia holding out for what would have been a respectable draw. But then Fluminense striker Fred received the ball in the middle of the box with his back to goal and went down under the challenge of Lovren. 'Fred is an eighty five kilogram man and I don't believe he can be brought to the ground in such a manner,' added Kovac. 'I cannot blame Fred at all - everyone tries it on. Like it or not, this is part and parcel of football. What I want is for referees to stick to the laws of the game and apply them equally to both teams.' Meanwhile the Daily Mirra reports that Congolese football fans once vandalised Chinese restaurants after another particularly controversial display from Nishimura. In a World Club Cup game in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010, fans of the offended team, TP Mazembe, went looking for a bit of post-match vengeance. Social media in Japan also lit up after the official's decision to give a soft penalty to Brazil which changed the balance of the closely fought match. Several posts showed mocked-up photos of Nishimura wearing a Brazil jersey.

Meanwhile, here's something which, somewhat, gives lie to all those who suggest that Brazil are only playing with one up front these days.

Definitely looks like a twin strike force to me.

Vanishing spray to stop encroachment at free-kicks was used for the first time in Brazil's win over Croatia. Yuichi Nishimura used the spray when Croatia gave away a first-half free-kick in Sao Paulo. For free-kicks near the penalty area, the referee sprays a circle round the ball and paces out ten yards from where it has been placed. The line marks the position where the defensive wall should stand. The spray disappears from the grass within a minute. The system has been used in Brazilian and Argentine football for several seasons, and was also trialled at last year's Under-Twenty World Cup. It will also be introduced to the Champions League next season.

Mexico overcame having two goals controversially ruled out to beat Group A rivals Cameroon courtesy of a goal from striker Oribe Peralta in a virtual monsoon in Natal. Giovani Dos Santos had a volley and header disallowed for what appeared to be errors by the assistant referee. Cameroon rarely threatened but a Samuel Eto'o shot hit the post and Benoit Assou-Ekotto's free-kick went wide. However, Mexico secured victory when Dos Santos's shot was parried before Peralta arrived to slot in the rebound. At a rain-lashed Estadio das Dunas, Cameroon almost stole a point late on when Benjamin Moukandjo's free header was acrobatically saved by keeper Guillermo Ochoa. An equaliser would have been harsh on a Mexico side who put on an impressive performance, combining a strong work ethic with an attacking threat and should serve them well when they play hosts Brazil on Tuesday 17 June although the do, undeniably, look a bit fragile at the back. Peralta's seventh goal in nine competitive games prevented the dubious refereeing decisions from overshadowing the victory, while Cameroon's quality and prospects of getting into the second round appear limited with Croatia and Brazil to come next. There were questions about how these countries would fare, with both sides changing managers in World Cup qualifying campaigns they scraped through. A nimble Mexico, though, appeared determined to make the most of their time in Brazil, while a powerful-looking Cameroon showed their struggles had continued into the tournament. The African side struggled to deal with the wing-backs in the five-three-two formation employed by The Aztecs, who appeared to have a legitimate early goal disallowed.

When a late USA goal against Panama meant that Mexico managed to qualify for the play-offs, the Mexican TV commentator infamously noted that the Americans had done them a favour: 'It is because of the USA not any of you in the green shirts. They did it, not you! You do nothing for the shirt, you do not put in any effort for the team. Mexico is a horror, just terrible. A failure.' It's hard to imagine someone from ITV saying that about England, I'm sure you'll agree. Although, funnily enough, it's quite easy to imagine somebody from ITV saying that about Adrian Chiles. For the Mexico versus Cameroon game, ITV were employing Clarke Carlisle, their own 'captive intelligent footballer.' Who is just like the BBC's captive intelligent footballer, Garth Crooks, in that he can talk for England. Unlike Crooks, however, Carlisle never actually played for England. Northampton, yes, but not England.

The Netherlands produced one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history coming from a behind to annihilate the reigning champions Spain 5-1 in a stunned Arena Fonte Nova. This was a repeat of the 2010 final but the Dutch fell at the group stage of Euro 2012, which Spain won to seal a third consecutive major international trophy. Spain were humbled and humiliated - the last time they conceded five goals in an international match was in 1963 - and it might not only be a fatal blow to their hopes in this tournament, but it could signal the end of an era for one of the game's greatest teams. Three-time runners-up Netherlands will suddenly find themselves talked about among the leading contenders to lift the title and it is not unrealistic if they maintain this level of display and don't pull their usual trick of fighting among themselves. Xabi Alonso's penalty gave Spain the lead after Stefan de Vrij tripped Diego Costa and at that stage everything appeared to be going according to the script but Robin van Persie equalised just before half-time with a superb acrobatic diving header after Daley Blind's pinpoint fifty yard pass. Arjen Robben cut inside Gerard Pique to score early in the second half before De Vrij nodded in to put the Dutch 3-1 up following a free kick. A horrible error from the Spanish goalkeeper, Ilker Casillas, enabled van Persie to make it four after seventy two minutes, while Robben's brilliant solo effort completed the rout. It was a brilliant performance by the Dutch - so disappointing in final four years ago - whose pace and passing the Spanish were unable to live with. In fact, the Netherlands could easily have scored more, Van Persie hitting the bar and Casillas - who was at fault for at least two of the goals - brilliantly saving from a stunning Robben volley. It was Louis van Gaal's men who created the first clear chance when Robben slipped Wesley Sneijder clean through, Casillas saving his side with a one-handed save. That miss appeared costly when Xavi released Costa and he fell under the challenge of De Vrij, Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli pointed to the spot despite replays showing Costa had stood on the Feyenoord defender's leg. Alonso slotted past Jasper Cillessen to cue Spanish celebrations - but rather than leading to a period of dominance, Vincent del Bosque's men sat back and tried to defend their lead. It proved costly. After David Silva wasted a glorious opportunity that would come back to haunt Spain, Netherlands accepted the invitation to get forward and finally enjoyed some possession. They grew in confidence and stunned Spain when Van Persie escaped the attentions of Sergio Ramos and met Daley Blind's crossfield pass with an astonishing header that looped over a despairing Casillas. The goal will be shown again and again for years to come. Netherlands left the field at the break embracing each other with wide smiles - Spain looked shellshocked - and they carried that momentum into the second half. Van Gaal's men deservedly took the lead when Xavi - the heartbeat of Spain's midfield for so long - lost possession and Blind supplied another pinpoint aerial pass from the left, which Robben controlled before eluding Gerard Pique and finishing confidently. Spain were now rocking and Van Persie fired against the bar before De Vrij bundled a third goal over the line after Casillas missed Sneijder's set-piece. The goalkeeper protested that he had been impeded by Van Persie but Rizzoli (who had a fine game and, somewhat, restored faith in the officials after the blunders of the first two games) was unmoved. Casillas had endured a torrid evening and it deteriorated further when he miscontrolled a backpass and Van Persie was presented with an empty net. Silva had a strike disallowed for offside but was then guilty of poor control, allowing Robben to counter-attack, outpace Ramos and wrap up the scoring with one of the great World Cup goals. Spain were in pieces and continued to be torn apart, substitute Jeremain Lens and Robben both going close. Substitute Fernando Torres looked certain to register a consolation, only for Blind to arrive with a timely last-ditch challenge. The full-time whistle was met with scenes of Dutch joy and Spanish woe, on the turf and in the stands. Netherlands embarked upon a lap of honour. It was a result that will send shockwaves through world football. 'The Netherlands were sensational,' noted Alan Shearer. 'That goal just before half time gave them unbelievable confidence and it could have and should have been seven or eight. Some of the performances - Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Daley Blind down that wing. They were absolutely brilliant. I have never seen that Spain back four pulled around as much as they were tonight.' To sum up, then a team containing Ron Vlaar, Daryl Janmaat and Stefan de Vrij has just walloped Spain. This was where the World Cup starts, with a shock and the spirit of The Oranj raised once more (even though they were wearing blue). Football is brilliant isn't it?

'We've just seen one of the greatest displays in yonks,' said a breathless Gary Lineker at the conclusion of a memorable episode of Match Of The Day Live. And I must say, as for the BBC's coverage overall - Thierry Henry being in love with his own reflection notwithstanding - after two matches watching the rubbish ITV serve up, wasn't it just beyond terrific to finally be watching some professional broadcasters? Even Rio Ferdinand wasn't as annoying as this blogger had feared, though the bit when he was talking about having watched the opening match with 'the twins' did summon up quite a few remarkable images in Keith Telly Topping's head before discovering that he was talking about Fábio and Raefael. And it took just eleven minutes before Shearer cracked his first joke in ... well, recorded history, actually. It was about elbowing somebody in the face. First rule of comedy, talk about what you know. God bless the BBC! Mind you, Steve Wllson came up with an early contender for the worst joke of the competition, when noting that after the sad demise of Paul the Psychic Octopus, this year's alleged psychic World Cup animal is, apparently, a turtle. 'As someone famously said,' he told Mark Lawrenson, 'you win nothing with Squids.' Don't call us, Steve, we'll call you. To be fair, he did make up for it by the end, with one genuinely witty line ('there's not a trutle or an octopus in the world who could've seen this coming') and, finding space for quote from R.E.M. For Spain, it really might be the end of the world as we know it.

In the day's third game, Alexis Sanchez scored one and made another as one of the world's real cult sides, Chile started their World Cup campaign with a win over Australia. Sanchez finished from close range in the twelfth minute and then set up Jorge Valdivia to drive in from outside the area two minutes later. Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill pulled one back with a header from Ivan Franjic's cross before half-time. The New York Red Bulls player has scored four of Australia's nine goals in World Cups and has found the net in three different tournaments. After an anxious second half, Wigan Not Very Athletic's Jean Beausejour's long-range effort added Chile's third in added time. Tipped by many as having a strong chance of progressing from Group B, Chile will have been buoyed by the Netherlands' 5-1 win over Spain, whom they face next on Wednesday. Having recently given England a footballing lesson at Wembley, they looked likely to have the luxury of focusing on building a big cushion of goal difference ahead of their meeting with Vicente Del Bosque's world champions when they moved two ahead inside fourteen minutes. But, up against Chile defenders Gary Medel, used in midfield by Cardiff this season, and Gonzalo Jara, who has just been released by Nottingham Forest, Cahill's threat in the air helped the stubborn, hard working Australian side back into the contest. Chile's attack only justified its strong reputation in flashes and they looked far from secure at the back but they have a chance to take a big step towards the second round when they face Spain. They took the lead when Charles Aranguiz managed to get in behind The Socceroos defence for the first time after eleven minutes, and when Eduardo Vargas headed down from the midfielder's cross, Sanchez guided in at the near post. The advantage was doubled when Barcelona forward Sanchez picked out Valdivia and the Palmeiras midfielder hit a dipping shot in off the underside of the bar from twenty five yards. Starting just five weeks after knee surgery, midfielder Arturo Vidal drove wide after another incisive move. But a slackness crept into their play and Cahill, renowned for his aerial ability in his time at Everton, rose above Medel to thump in from a Franjic cross. After the break, Cahill had an effort ruled out for offside before Tommy Oar's cross was met with a firm half-volley from Bresciano only for Bravo to push around the post. Chile came close to a third when Sanchez threaded through for Vargas and the Valencia forward's poked effort was hacked off the line by Alex Wilkinson. Cahill headed over from another Jason Davidson cross as Australia continued to threaten. But after Mauricio Panilla's shot was saved by Matthew Ryan, fellow substitute Beausejour found the corner with the rebound.

FIFA has, provisionally, banned World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer from 'all footballing activities' (whatever the hell that means) for ninety days for 'failing to co-operate' with the Qatar 2022 corruption inquiry. So that means, presumably, if Der Kaiser fancies a kick-out with some kids in the local park, he can't, cos he's banned. Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup with West Germany as both a player and as a coach, had been asked to help with a FIFA ethics investigation. The sixty eight-year-old was part of the FIFA executive committee which voted to give the tournament to Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. Beckenbauer captained West Germany to victory at the 1974 World Cup, and was coach when they next lifted the trophy sixteen years later. He then managed at Olympique Marseille and Bayern München, where he is now honorary president. FIFA said that Beckenbauer had ignored 'repeated requests' to 'assist' with an independent investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments which is being led by American lawyer Michael Garcia. But Beckenbauer said: 'I politely requested a meeting in which we could talk about the matter in German. That was apparently not desired. That aside I wouldn't be able to contribute anything to clear up the matter anyway.' World football's governing body said that he was asked to supply answers to written questions provided in both English and German. In a statement, FIFA said: 'The apparent breach relates to Mr Beckenbauer's failure to co-operate with an ethics committee investigation despite repeated requests for his assistance. The case is now the subject of formal investigation proceedings being conducted by investigatory chamber member Vanessa Allard as chief of the investigation.' FIFA vice president Jim Boyce said: 'This very much shows once again how the FIFA reform process is working. The independent ethics committee are doing a good job and should have the full support of everybody.' The Sunday Times recently published an investigation based on documents it obtained alleging that disgraced Qatari football official Mohamed Bin Hammam made payments totalling five million dollars to football officials in return for their support for the Qatar bid. Garcia says that he now has 'almost all' of the documents that the British paper's report referred to.