Live from Germany
Dutch start their bid for elusive glory
The World Cup was set to turn orange on Sunday as the Netherlands start their challenge to win the prize which has always eluded them.
The Dutch take on the tactically sound Serbia and Montenegro in the eastern city of Leipzig at 1300 GMT, looking to revive their exciting brand of 'total football' that graced World Cups of the past.
Politics was set to raise its head when Iran start their campaign against Mexico in Nuremberg at 1600 GMT.
Jewish groups have promised to demonstrate in the city which is inextricably linked to the Nazis against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's stated wish to wipe Israel off the map.
In the final match of the day, in Cologne at 1900 GMT, Portugal take on surprise qualifiers Angola who will have been encouraged by the spirited performance of fellow minnows Trinidad and Tobago in holding Sweden to a goalless draw on Saturday.
The biggest achievement in the footballing history of the tiny Caribbean island nation proved that there are no longer any weak teams in the World Cup.
Veteran goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, whose heroics kept the frustrated Swedes at bay, said: "This evening was a dream come true, it was very emotional. We hope this is just the beginning."
England fans meanwhile were praised by the German police for their behaviour in Frankfurt after their country's 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
Police praise England fans
More than 65,000 England fans partied the night away in Germany's financial capital without any signs of the hooliganism which has followed the national team in the past decade.
While their supporters exceeded expectations, England's performance on the pitch fell well short of the pre-tournament optimism that the side was ready to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
The Dutch cannot afford to slip up in their first game after two-time world champions Argentina opened their account in Group C - the so-called Group of Death - with an exciting 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast watched enthusiastically by Diego Maradona.
With just the top two teams qualifying from the groups, the Netherlands' coach Marco van Basten was acutely aware of the danger his opponents posed.
"We are convinced they are a very difficult opponent, with a good defence in the qualifiers. They're strong and organised and it'll be tough," said the legendary former striker.
Playmaker Rafael van der Vaart is struggling for full fitness but should be available for selection.
The trio of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie will be looking to confirm the Netherlands' position as an outside bet to go all the way 32 years after they were beaten in the final in Munich by West Germany.