Four years of anticipation have passed, and now the 2014 FIFA World Cup is underway. We started our World Cup journey with a breakdown of all eight groups, then we discussed the possible highs and lows of “the greatest show on Earth”. We will now begin bringing you weekly highlights as the tournament progresses.

Here are the major talking points from Week 1 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup:

1. Determined Dutch vs Sloppy Spain

There were undoubtedly a number of major storylines that evolved during the opening week of the WC. But one that will stand out in the memory for some time was the ‘rematch’ of the 2010 finals between the Netherlands and Spain. Evidently out for revenge, the Dutch overturned a 1-0 deficit to hammer the defending champions 5-1, with a brace from strikers Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.

2. Goals (and own goals) galore

In the opening eight games of the WC, a total of 34 goals were scored, which translate to an average of over 4.25 goals. While football fans will certainly love this, an interesting factor with the goal bonanza is that a few of them are own goals. Marcelo of Brazil got things started in the opening game, and at press time another two were contributed by Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares and Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Sead Kolasinac.

3. The refereeing is suspect

Throughout Week 1, there were a number of decisions made by the main figures of each game — the referees. The Brazil vs Croatia game alone contributed quite a number of controversies, none more significant that the penalty call against Croatian defender Dejan Lovren for a tackle against striker Fred, which arguably swung the game in Brazil’s favour. It would appear as though everyone — expect the referee and Brazilian well-wishers — knew that a penalty was not the correct call.

4. Games too unpredictable to call

The popular saying “the ball is round” — which posits the claim that anything can happen in the sport of football — has possibly never been more evident prior to this edition of the WC. While many Dutch fans (along with the team) would have been hoping that they could defeat the Spanish, it is unlikely that anyone had predicted the 5-1 drubbing. The same goes for another ‘upset’ in the competition, Costa Rica’s 3-1 scalp of the team that placed third in 2010, Uruguay.

5. Score first at your own peril

It could be argued as one team arriving late to the party, or another being too complacent when on top, but it was interesting to see so many teams who took the lead eventually lose their opening match of the WC. As at Switzerland’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over Ecuador on Sunday afternoon, five of nine winners trailed at some point or another during their respective games.