In one of the quirks of the draw for Brazil, Spain opens the defense of its title against the country it beat in the championship decider in Johannesburg four years ago.
But while Vicente Del Bosque's team has stuck to its attacking philosophy, Holland coach Louis van Gaal is packing his defense and hoping one of his three star forwards, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben or Wesley Sneijder, can snatch a goal on the counterattack in their Group B opener at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
A tasty rematch in 2014's first trio
13 June 2014 marks a first in FIFA World Cup™ history: the two finalists from the previous edition will go head-to-head in the group stage four years on. Reigning champions Spain go into the tournament having prolonged their stranglehold by defending their UEFA European Championship title at EURO 2012, where they beat Italy in the final. The Netherlands, on the other hand, suffered a hangover from their defeat in the South Africa 2010 showpiece and lost all three of their group fixtures at the EUROs, falling to Germany, Portugal and Denmark. However, having sailed through qualifying as usual, Arjen Robben and Co are out for revenge against La Roja.
▶ World Cup Team Profile: SPAIN - YouTube
▶ World Cup Team Profile: NETHERLANDS - YouTube
Cameroon also fluked into the Cup, after Togo lost points on a technicality. And the team has bickered with its administration over bonus money. The signs are not auspicious.
Epic Mexican commentator: "We love you forever and ever...God Bless America!" - YouTube
▶ World Cup Team Profile: MEXICO - YouTube
▶ World Cup Team Profile: CAMEROON - YouTube