Live blog: Today at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, featuring Australia v Chile, Netherlands v Spain and Mexico v Cameroon

WRITTEN off by everyone, the Socceroos put in an inspiring performance only to fall 3-1 at the hands of Chile in their 2014 FIFA World Cup opener.

Tim Cahill of Australia reacts after having a goal disallowed against Chile in their World Cup opener.

LIVE coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

Every day we follow the Socceroos on their World Cup journey. Plus all the highlights from Brazil, the latest breaking FIFA World Cup news, the best goals, the results and the real stories behind the scenes of the World Cup.

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9.50am - AUSTRALIA v CHILE

WRITTEN off by everyone, the Socceroos put in an inspiring performance only to fall 3-1 at the hands of Chile in their 2014 FIFA World Cup opener today.

The Aussies got off to a terrible start, with Chile opening the scoring in the 12th minute through Alexis Sanchez, before Jorge Valdivia doubled the advantage moments later.

But the Socceroos hit back through who else but Timmy Cahill.

Australia’s go-to man soared high to head home a cross from Ivan Franjic on the right and pull the Socceroos back to 2-1 in the 35th minute.

MATCH REPORT: CHILE 3 AUSTRALIA 1

Cahill proved a big problem for Chile, also having a goal disallowed in the second half after he was correctly ruled to be narrowly offside.

Australia was strong in the second half, shocking the much more fancied Chileans, but could not find that elusive equaliser.

“They got in twice and punished us but after that you could see their legs were going and we knew we could get something from this game,” Cahill said.

“Overall, from a team performance, we really stood up strong.

“Last week they were questioning whether we could create chances, and today we proved we could.”

Chile’s first was a scrappy goal, with Sanchez pouncing on a loose ball in the box.

The second was special. A wonderful, curling finish by Jorge Valdivia from just inside the area.

Chile’s final goal came in injury time via a long-range effort from Jean Beausejour that made for a flattering scoreline for the South Americans.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage

Tim Cahill celebrates his goal for Australia against Chile in the Group B World Cup clash.

Alexis Sanchez of Chile scores the opener against Australia in their World Cup clash.

Australia's Mile Jedinak looks on as Jorge Valdivia of Chile scores the second goal.

Australia’s starting line up against Chile.

CHILE: Bravo, Isla, Mena, Díaz, Medel, Jara, Vidal, Valdívia, Vargas, Sánchez, Aránguiz.

SUBS: Albornoz, Silva, Carmona, Pinilla, Toselli, Rojas, Orellana, Beausejour, Gutierrez, Fuenzalida, Paredes, Herrera

Only Aussies would turn up to a #WorldCup match in budgie smugglers. #CHIAUS #GoSocceroos pic.twitter.com/3dIkPoYGZr

— #GoSocceroos (@Socceroos) June 13, 2014

Sub-type: comment CAPTION: Only Aussies would turn up to a #WorldCup match in budgie smugglers. #CHIAUS #GoSocceroos pic.twitter.com/3dIkPoYGZr— #GoSocceroos (@Socceroos) June 13, 2014

Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak speaks ahead of Australia’s World Cup opener against Chile.

1 hour until kick off! #CHIAUS #GoSocceroos #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/bMc7CPS5Vu

— #GoSocceroos (@Socceroos) June 13, 2014

Sub-type: comment CAPTION: 1 hour until kick off! #CHIAUS #GoSocceroos #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/bMc7CPS5Vu— #GoSocceroos (@Socceroos) June 13, 2014

A Chile fan gets into the spirit.

7.30am - JAPANESE REFEREE ‘DIDN’T SPEAK ENGLISH’

CROATIA’S players have continued their attack on Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura, with defender Vedran Corluka accusing him of either refusing to or being unable to explain his controversial penalty decision in English.

“If this continues then no-one should play against Brazil,” said Corluka.

“We should just give them the World Cup and everyone can go home. I think it is embarrassing.”

Brazil was awarded the softest of penalties in yesterday’s World Cup opener, leading to worldwide criticism of the officiating.

Croatia's defender Dejan Lovren (L) and Croatia's midfielder Ivan Rakitic in a heated exchange with Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura during a Group A match between Brazil and Croatia.

7.00am - SUAREZ TO MISS URUGUAY CLASH

A KNEE injury will force striker Luis Suarez to miss Uruguay’s first game in the World Cup against Costa Rica, coach Oscar Tabarez confirmed.

Suarez is recovering from a knee operation that he underwent in Montevideo on May 22 and his absence against Costa Rica was expected. It is hoped he will be fit for Uruguay’s second game, against England on June 19.

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez will miss his country’s first 2014 World Cup match against Costa Rica.

6.50am - WORLD CUP HOLDERS SPAIN THUMPED

SPAIN’S reign as world champions is on life support after being thrashed 5-1 by a rampant Netherlands in today’s World Cup Group B opener at Arena Fonte Nova.

The Dutch gained revenge for their 1-0 World Cup final loss to La Roja four years ago, coming from a goal down to tear apart the ageing Spaniards.

Netherlands skipper Robin van Persie and pacey teammate Arjen Robben, who is still haunted by the memories of his missed chances in the 2010 decider, each scored twice for the Oranje.

MATCH REPORT: NETHERLANDS 5 SPAIN 1

Netherlands' Arjen Robben drops to his knees after scoring his side's second goal during the second half of the group B World Cup match against Spain.

Netherlands' Robin van Persie flies through the air after scoring a goal during the Group B World Cup match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil.

6.30am - ABBOTT’S EMBARRASSING BLUNDER

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott, draped in a Socceroos scarf, has called the team’s captain Mile Jedinak “Mike” in a message of support posted on his YouTube channel.

“Ange, Mike and the Socceroos,” says Abbott, “in this World Cup you have the opportunity to make the world game our national game.

“Throughout this World Cup we’ll burn the midnight oil as you take the field in our name.

“We stand with you as you carry our colours into the world’s great teams’ sporting event.”

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott made an embarrassing gaffe, getting Australia’s captain’s name wrong in a support message.

6.00am - ANOTHER REF DECISION OVERSHADOWS WIN

REMEMBER yesterday’s drama involving the supposed dive in Brazil’s 3-1 win over Croatia?

Well, we’ve got another controversy on day two.

Mexico’s Oribe Peralta scored a second-half winner in a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in rain-lashed Natal in a match which once again raised questions over the standard of refereeing at the World Cup.

Miguel Herrera’s Mexico side dominated throughout but went in for the half-time break feeling aggrieved after seeing what looked like two perfectly valid goals chalked off for offside.

Those decisions did little to appease a Mexican media.

The possibility of yet another refereeing blunder appeared to have crossed the mind of Herrera, who said afterwards: “I told the boys before the match to keep their focus on our gameplan, whatever happens.

“Human error exists. We have to learn to put up with whatever comes our way.”

MATCH REPORT: MEXICO 1 CAMEROON 0

Mexico forward Oribe Peralta celebrates after scoring the only goal during the Group A World Cup match between Mexico and Cameroon.

Oribe Peralta of Mexico shoots and scores a goal past goalkeeper Charles Itandje of Cameroon in the second half.

– with wire agencies

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