On the field, Belgium kicked off their campaign with a win over Algeria in Group H as Russia and South Korea fought out a 1-1 draw – but it was the host nation Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Mexico that captured the headlines.
And on that draw, we kick-off our World Cup Wrap with the hero of the hour.
Guillermo Ochoa is congratulated by his team-mates
Sign him up
It wouldn’t be a World Cup without an unlikely hero emerging to capture the public’s imagination – and this time it’s Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
The 28-year-old enjoyed an incredible display on Tuesday as he almost single-handedly stopped Brazil in their tracks – alerting a host of big clubs around the world to his talents.
After his four sensational saves denied Neymar (twice), Paulinho and Thiago Silva, it seems even more incredible that he is a free agent after his contract expired at French club AC Ajaccio.
He recently told L'Equipe: “My priority is to stay in France, but I am open to any propositions.”
It’s not the first time Mexico has produced such an unforgettable character between the sticks – for those who remember him, Jorge Campos will always be THE goalkeeping legend.
Campos was famed for his home-made jerseys, like the one below, and his ability to score rather than his shot-stopping capabilities as he played in both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, winning 130 caps for his country.
Mexican legend Jorge Campos
Spread the blame
Uruguay’s defeat to Costa Rica came as a shock to many on Saturday, but reasons are starting to emerge.
Brazilian officials let it slip yesterday that they confiscated 39kg (86lb) of caramel spread from the La Celeste as they arrived in the country.
The dulce de leche spread, which is extremely popular in Uruguay, contains milk – therefore it needed sanitary documentation which was lacking.
Some fans are already blaming the shock 3-1 defeat on the lack of the spreadable delight.
Fingers crossed they don’t get their hands on any before the big one on Thursday.
The new Fellaini sweet
Tasty scoring secret revealed
And speaking of tasty treats – it appears that Marouane Fellaini has found the inspiration to get himself back amongst the goals.
The Manchester United midfielder came off the bench to net for Belgium as he helped them come from a goal down to defeat Algeria on Tuesday – and we think we have found the secret to his goalscoring exploits.
Not only is he a big favourite back in his home country after his scoring exploits, it seems that he is a big hit with confectionery designers in Japan.
Cleverly wrapped up so it resembles the afro hair of Fellaini, we wonder if the big man has had a taste yet?
