The 2010 World Cup resonates strongly throughout Group B where Spain launch their title defence against Netherlands in a carbon copy of the final in Soweto's Soccer City four years ago.
Joining the heavyweight European duo are Jorge Sampaoli's artful Chile, whom Vicente del Bosque's Spanish champions defeated in the group stage in South Africa, and rank outsiders Australia.
Here are four key players of this group.
Sergio Ramos – Spain
Born: 30/03/1980, 115 caps
The World Cup has really got under Sergio Ramos's skin – literally.
Real Madrid's defender has the World Cup tattooed on his right calf – and the Champions League – his goal sent last month's final into extra-time – on his left.
A product of Sevilla's youth academy, he is only 28 but already is a world champion, a double European champion, and now a Champions League winner.
Any more success and he will need extra limbs for his questionable body art.
A bullfighting afficionado – he has celebrated victories with a matador's cape – Ramos, although a defensive kingpin, is adept at running rings round defences, as Group B rivals Netherlands and Australia are about to discover.
Alexis Sanchez – Chile
Born: 19/12/1988, 65 caps
Barcelona's top drawer winger Alexis Sanchez, who in another life washed cars to put food in his mouth, arrives at his second World Cup with his football star shining bright and Manchester United, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain jostling to secure his services.
Sanchez, whose silky skills England rattled in a Wembley friendly last year, has a street named in his honour in his hometown of Tocopilla.
The 25-year-old, who looks to have overcome a late shoulder injury scare, burst onto the international scene at the 2010 World Cup, his nose for a goal a key component in Chile's armour to deflect opposing flak.
Mile Jedinak – Australia
Born: 03/08/1984, 43 caps
From filing papers in his uncle's Sydney office, to captaining Crystal Palace in the Premier League, combative midfielder Mile Jedinak has enjoyed a remarkable rise from humble beginnings.
Now his sterling work as Palace skipper has earned the 29-year-old the Australia captaincy ahead of Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano, veterans of Australia's last three World Cups.
He will be leading the lowest ranked team in Brazil into battle against world champions Spain, Netherlands and Chile.
Irrespective of how he fares in Brazil his reputation as a fans' favourite at Selhurst Park is assured after his 89th minute goal on the final day of the 2012/13 season earned Palace, then in the Championship, a place in the play-offs and a route to the fast lane of English football.
Robin van Persie – Netherlands
Born: 06/08/1983, 85 caps
Luckily for the Dutch, Robin van Persie chose to ignore his artist parents' advice to follow their example and take up a paintbrush and easel.
The world-class forward arrives in Brazil ready to wreak havoc after a "complicated" injury-hit season at Manchester United.
He emerged from European qualifying as top scorer with 11 goals, and captains the Dutch after coach Louis van Gaal's change of heart.
Holland's all time top scorer he failed to leave a mark at the 2010 World Cup, mustering just one goal despite Holland making it to the final.
Arriving at United after becoming a fan's favourite at Arsenal he is the Premier League's tenth highest scorer of all time.
Now is the time for him to light up the international stage.
