Hello all! The 2014 World Cup officially got underway last night, with Brazil recording a 3-1 win over Croatia. Now it is Spain's turn, with La Roja opening their Group B campaign against Netherlands. These two teams have to be considered as the favourites to progress through this particular section, but South American outfit Chile have been tipped by many as the dark horses. Right, the team news has already filtered through.

So there we have it. Diego Costa gets the nod up front for Spain, with the 25-year-old joined in attack by David Silva and Andres Iniesta. Gerard Pique returns at centre-back in place of Javi Martinez, meanwhile, with the Barcelona defender starting alongside Sergio Ramos. Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta, meanwhile, is preferred at right-back to Juanfran. Netherlands have skipper Robin van Persie fit and available despite a slight niggle, while Arjen Robben also starts in an XI that includes the experienced Wesley Sneijder.

Interestingly, this is the first time in World Cup history that the finalists from the previous tournament have met in the first game. In total, the two nations have met 10 times, with Spain leading five wins to four. The only draw between the pair, meanwhile, occurred in a friendly match in 1987.

However, the only time that the pair have met in a World Cup match was last summer, when Spain secured the trophy with a 1-0 win. From that 2010 squad, Spain have 16 returning players, but it is much change for Netherlands, with just seven returning from their 23-man party from the 2010 competition.

While a Spain defeat this evening would be a surprise, La Roja lost their opening match of the 2010 World Cup to Switzerland, but still went on to win the tournament. That was, however, the first time that a team had gone on to win the competition having lost their first game. Incredibly, however, the defending champions have won their first game in just three of the last 10 World Cups. Italy, who were holders entering the 2010 World Cup, drew 1-1 with Paraguay in their first match of that tournament.

However, that defeat to Switzerland is the only match that Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has lost in 25 World Cup fixtures, including qualifiers. La Roja won 1-0 in all four knockout matches at the 2010 World Cup, meanwhile. Only Italy and Switzerland have ever had a longer run of clean sheets in the competition, with Italy's occurring during five games in 1990 and Switzerland in five games in 2006 and 2010.

La Roja booked their spot in the finals this summer after topping Group I in their European qualification section. Del Bosque's side picked up 20 points from their eight matches, remaining unbeaten in the process and boasting a goal difference of plus 11. They did drop points against Finland and France, but ultimately finished three points clear of second-placed France. Prior to winning the competition in 2010, however, Spain's previous best in the tournament had been fourth place in 1950.

What about their manager Vicente del Bosque? Should Spain win the competition this summer, Del Bosque will become the first coach in history to secure successive World Cups. The former Real Madrid boss also led La Roja to the Euro 2012 title in what has been a terrific six years in charge of his country. In terms of club football, the 63-year-old led Real Madrid to two league titles in 2001 and 2003 and also twice won the Champions League during his time with Los Blancos. Little over 30 minutes until kickoff...

No European team has ever won the World Cup on South American soil, but Spain look the likeliest candidates this summer. Their squad is full of experience and talent, with Del Bosque's side aiming to win a fourth consecutive major trophy. If that was to occur, Spain would surely have to be remembered as the greatest national team to have played the game, up until this point anyway.

It was no surprise that Netherlands found qualification for the tournament so straightforward, with Van Gaal's team drawn in a group where none of their opponents were ranked inside FIFA's top 30. They won nine of their 10 Group D matches, scoring 34 times in the process and conceding just five times. That run of results saw them finish comfortably top of the section, nine points clear of second-placed Romania.

What about their manager Louis van Gaal? The Dutchman has perhaps been the most talked-about manager this summer following Manchester United's long pursuit. The 62-year-old's future has now been decided, however, and he will indeed take control at Old Trafford following the completion of this summer's tournament. The experienced boss is currently in his second spell in charge of Netherlands having previously managed his nation between 2000 and 2002. During a well-travelled managerial club career, Van Gaal has won league titles in Holland, Spain and Germany. Both managers involved in this match are full of experience and know-how.

Netherlands have made it past the group stages in their last seven World Cup appearances, reaching the final three times during an impressive run. However, they face a tough task this time around, with Chile also much-fancied by many. With respect to Australia, it does seem likely that Spain, Netherlands and Chile will be battling for two places. Right, let me just confirm the team news for this match...

Netherlands' record outside Europe is also impressive, with the nation winning 63% of their World Cup matches outside of Europe, compared to just 42% on European soil. The Dutch also possess the top European scorer in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, with Manchester United striker Robin van Persie netting 11 times.

Despite Spain's recent success, La Roja have only won the World Cup once (2010), with their previous best arriving in 1950 (fourth). They reached the quarter-finals in 1986, 1994 and 2002, but were eliminated in the round of 16 in 2006. It would be some achievement if the holders made it back-to-back World Cups.

Netherlands, meanwhile, as mentioned, have reached the final of the World Cup in three of their last seven attempts. The first of those arrived in 1974, before they also finished second in 1978. The Dutch did not qualify in either 1982 or 1986, but returned with a quarter-final finish in 1990. Since then, they have made the quarter-finals in 1994, semi-finals in 1998 and of course, finished as runner-up to Spain in 2010.

In terms of warm-up matches, Spain recorded a 2-0 win over Bolivia at the end of last month, before beating El Salvador 2-0 on June 7. Netherlands, meanwhile, beat fellow World Cup side Ghana 1-0 on May 31, before beating Wales 2-0 on June 4.

Looking ahead, following this match, Spain face Chile on June 18, before clashing with Australia in their last group match on June 23. Netherlands face the Australians in the early start on June 18, before facing Chile on June 23 in what could be a decider for second position in Group B. Right, prediction time.

PREDICTION: This is, without question, the match of the opening round of fixtures this summer. In so many ways it is just a fascinating encounter. Both sides have a host of talent in their teams, but I am backing Spain to just about shade the three points. My score prediction is 2-1 La Roja.

The national anthems have just been completed, the handshakes have been undertaken and the flags exchanged. Just about time for the referee to get this one underway. It promises to be a wonderful spectacle.

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope that the football matches up. Spain are still the team to beat, but Netherlands have a brilliant World Cup record. Spain get the first 45 minutes underway. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there is one - could be vital.

As expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the opening moments, with the likes of Ramos and Pique both getting early touches. Netherlands might have spend long periods without the ball in this one. The first challenge of the match is made by Vlaar, with the Dutch defender flying into the back of Costa.

Already Azpilicueta has shown a willingness to run forward, but Ramos cannot find his Spain teammate with a through pass. Sneijder has possession down the other end moments later, but Busquets is across to make the challenge. Plenty happening in the early exchanges with both sides breaking forward in numbers.

First sight of Costa as Alonso looks for the run of the Spanish forward, but the 25-year-old cannot reach the pass. Not too much to report in terms of chances, but Spain are in control of the possession. Sneijder is operating close to Van Persie for the Dutch, with Robben in a wide position. It is some front three.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. However, the official has kept his card in his pocket thus far. No real flow to the early exchanges, with both sides exchanging periods in possession of the ball.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Netherlands as Sneijder breaks beyond the Spain defence before facing up to Casillas, but the midfielder's effort is straight at the Spain goalkeeper. Wow!

It was a smart save from Casillas, but Sneijder really needed to slot his effort either side of the goalkeeper. That has worried Spain, who look for Costa once more, but the ball runs out of play for a throw.

Half-chance for Spain this time as Iniesta finds some space outside the box before striking one towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The match has just started to open up after a tight opening. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spain this time as Costa finds some space inside the Netherlands box, but Vlaar is across to make a stunning challenge before forcing the 25-year-old wide. Brilliant defending from the Aston Villa defender. Chances at either end with 14 minutes played.

Handbags between De Jong and Busquets as the Dutch midfielder fouls the Barcelona midfielder in the middle of the pitch, but the referee does not produce a card. Spain break down the other end moments later, but they are forced back before Sneijder makes a late challenge of his own. Tensions are rising here!

Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last few minutes, but Netherlands have managed to gain a better control of the ball. Both teams have had opportunities, but the score remains goalless. Just a reminder that Group B's other two teams - Chile and Australia - clash later this evening.

Another half-chance for Costa as Silva feeds the 25-year-old, but his effort is wide of the post. It hasn't quite happened for the soon-to-be Chelsea forward in the opening 19 minutes of football.

CHANCE! Another chance for Spain as Silva finds all sorts of room inside the Netherlands box, but instead of shooting, looks for Costa and the cross is cleared by Vlaar. Strong opportunity.

Spain continue to force the issue as Iniesta dances into the box before finding Silva, but Vlaar is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered by Xavi towards Ramos, but the Real Madrid centre-back cannot make contact. Not too much from Netherlands in terms of attacking football at the moment.

BOOKING! The first yellow card of the match goes to De Guzman as the Netherlands midfielder brings Iniesta to the ground.

Spain are awarded a penalty as De Vrij brings Costa to the ground inside the box. Alonso will take the spot kick for the European and world champions. What a chance to open the scoring.

Spain do indeed take the lead as Alonso rolls his effort into the bottom corner. Lift-off Spain in Brazil!

I am not too sure about the contact in that challenge from De Vrij. It looked soft, but the referee was in no doubt as he pointed to the spot. Netherlands must respond, but they cannot get the ball at the moment.

Netherlands have started to pass the ball in forward areas, but they are finding it difficult to break through this Spain defence. Van Persie finds space following a pass from De Guzman, but the Manchester United striker is ruled offside. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in this Group B clash.

CHANCE! Opportunity for Netherlands to respond as Blind delivers a wonderful cross into the Spain box, Ramos misses it, but Van Persie cannot make contact. What a chance for the Dutch.

Half-chance for the Netherlands as Sneijder finds some space outside the box before feeding De Jong, but his effort is straight into the arms of Casillas. Spain break down the other end with Iniesta, but Martins Indi fells the Barcelona midfielder. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.

Netherlands have certainly been impressive since falling behind, but you just get the feeling that they will be made to regret early missed opportunities. De Guzman dives into another challenge with Alonso, but the referee does not take further action. Spain continue to move the ball in the final third, meanwhile.

BOOKING! De Vrij enters the book for Netherlands following a late challenge on Silva.

Costa makes another bright run beyond the Dutch back four before collecting a pass from Xavi, but the linesman raises his flag. Not too much to report in terms of Netherlands pressure, but with the likes of Robben, Van Persie and Sneijder in attack, Van Gaal's side will always have a chance in this match.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Spain as Iniesta slides a wonderful pass into Silva, who drives into the box before lifting his effort over Cillessen, but the Dutch keeper makes a fine save.

Oh my word what a goal. That is a little bit special from Van Persie. Blind delivers a sensational 30-yard pass onto the head of Van Persie, who lifts his header over Casillas. Some goal that, delightful!

What a magical goal from Van Persie. The World Cup is about moments like this. Well, that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium as we move into the first minute of additional time.

What a wonderful first half of football that was. Just brilliant action in this Group B clash. Spain took the lead after 27 minutes through Alonso, who slotted a penalty into the bottom corner after De Vrij had felled Costa inside the box. However, Van Persie's sensational effort has left the score level at 1-1 in Bahia.

STATISTICS: Spain have dominated the possession with 69%, while they have had four attempts on goal. Netherlands, meanwhile, have had three attempts, all of which have been on target. There have also been two yellow cards in the first 45 minutes, with De Guzman and De Vrij both in the book for the Dutch.

BENCH WATCH: Spain have an embarrassment of riches on their bench this evening with the likes of Cazorla, Mata, Fabregas, Koke, Pedro, Torres and Villa all in reserve. Netherlands, meanwhile, have attacking options in the shape of Depay, Huntelaar, Clasie, Lens and Wijnaldum.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can we have more of the same please? The first half was just sensational. Netherlands get the second period underway in Bahia.

No changes from either manager at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. There has been in the weather, however, with the rain now falling quite heavily. As expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the early moments of the half with Iniesta and Costa already involved in forward areas.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in forward areas. You just get the feeling that one more goal might be enough to win this match. However, despite Spain's possession, Netherlands have already shown their threat on the counter attack.

Another half-chance for Spain as Iniesta finds some space outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Dutch goalkeeper. The rain continues to fall, which is making the tempo slightly slower.

Netherlands take the lead with 53 minutes on the clock as Robben settles on the ball inside the Spain box before rolling his effort into the back of the net. What a turn-up in Brazil!

Costa sticks his head into the face of Martins Indi, leaving the Dutchman on the ground. However, the referee does not take any serious action. That could have been another controversial moment in this match.

It was Blind that produced his second assist of the match for Robben's goal. He has been just wonderful this evening that is for certain. Spain, however, cannot keep the ball at the moment as Netherlands continue to crowd the play in the middle of the park. Little over 30 minutes remaining and Netherlands lead 2-1.

We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes. Spain have a number of attacking players in reserve that is for certain. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals in this match. Spain continue to press, but Netherlands continue to produce the answer.

CROSSBAR! Oh my word! Van Persie rattles the crossbar for Netherlands following a brilliant run from Robben. What a chance for the skipper's second! Spain are all over the place in defence.

SUBS! Netherlands make their first change of the match with Wijnaldum replacing De Guzman. Spain also make two changes with Pedro and Torres replacing Costa and Alonso. All happening here.

Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and Netherlands still lead 2-1. The Dutch continue to press as Van Persie finds space in a wide position before delivering into Robben, but Pique is on hand to clear.

WOW! Netherlands have their third of the match as De Vrij heads in at the far post following a deep free kick from Sneijder. Casillas wanted a foul under pressure from Van Persie, but the referee wasn't interested.

BOOKING! Van Persie enters the book for the Dutch following a late challenge on Pedro.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Spain have the ball in the back of the net as Silva turns home from close range, but the flag had been raised. Moments before, Pedro had been denied by Cillessen.

Another half-chance for Netherlands as Van Persie finds some space outside the box, but the striker is denied by Casillas. Spain need to respond, but they have already made two changes. What a turn-up in this match. Louis van Gaal has set his side up perfectly this evening and Netherlands are reaping the rewards.

WOW! OH WOW! Netherlands have their fourth as Casillas is caught in possession by Van Persie, who challenges the Spanish goalkeeper before poking into the back of the net. Incredible, just incredible.

What on earth has happened here? Yes, Spain are 4-1 behind against Netherlands in their World Cup opener. Did anyone see this coming? This result will send shockwaves throughout the competition that is for certain.

Opportunity for Spain to threaten from a free kick as De Jong fells Pedro outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Ramos, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.

SUB! Second change for Netherlands as De Vrij is replaced by Veltman.

SUB! Spain want another penalty as Torres hits the deck inside the box, but the referee points for a goal kick. Moments later, Fabregas replaces Silva in Spain's third change of the match.

SUB! Van Persie is withdrawn for Netherlands, with Lens replacing the two-goal skipper.

Incredible, just incredible. Netherlands have their fifth as Robben paces past the Spain back four before rounding Casillas and rolling his effort into the back of the net. There are just no words!

Spain look utterly shell-shocked at the moment as the Dutch press forward once more, but this time Robben cannot run away from Ramos. Spain are down the other end with Torres moments later, but Vlaar is across to clear the danger. I have a feeling that the scoring is not finished this evening.

Spain keep possession in their own half, but there is no real intent to their play at the moment, with Netherlands comfortable in dealing with the danger. Everyone inside the stadium is shell-shocked!

The Spain bench looks utterly stunned. The fans, meanwhile, simply cannot believe what they are seeing. This is all about Netherlands this evening. Not too much happening in the final moments here.

CHANCES! Two chances in quick succession for Netherlands. First, Casillas denies Wijnaldum, before the Spain stopper keeps out Robben. Two wonderful saves from the Real Madrid stopper.

Possession football for the Dutch in the last few moments as Van Gaal's side close out the final minutes. It is just a bad night for Spain? Or something more serious? That remains to be seen.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Torres to find the back of the net for Spain as the Chelsea forward picks up the ball some two yards from goal, but Janmaat makes an brilliant last-ditch challenge.

We are into the third of four additional minutes. Spain are just shot and simply cannot keep the ball. What a night it has been for Netherlands. On this form, could they win it? Why not?

The referee brings the match to a close with Netherlands thumping Spain 5-1 in Group B's first match of the 2014 World Cup. What a sensational night of football. That is just about all from me, but be sure to stick around on Sports Mole for all of the reaction and fall-out. Until next time!