MEXICO GOT just rewards for their attacking intent when Oribe Peralta's 61st minute strike gave them a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their World Cup opener at a rain-saturated Dunas arena on Friday.

The Mexicans had two Giovani dos Santos efforts controversially disallowed in the first half but Peralta's goal means they will now feel they have a good chance of progressing from Group A, which also includes hosts Brazil and Croatia.

Cameroon, who only arrived in Brazil after a player strike was averted by last-minute negotiations, had packed their midfield in an attempt to stifle the Mexicans and lone striker Samuel Eto'o failed to find the goal with his few opportunities.

Mexico came out to attack as coach Miguel Herrera had promised and "El Tri" dominated the opening exchanges with wingbacks Miguel Layun and Paul Aguilar getting plenty of space out wide.

Dos Santos first found the net with a neat volley after 11 minutes but was called back despite appearing to be in line with the defenders.

Cameroon could have taken the lead after 21 minutes when fullback Benoit Assou-Ekotto beat two defenders and found Eto'o in the box but the striker was able only hit the outside of the post.

Eto'o had another chance three minutes later but was unable to control the ball when Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting headed it down to his feet in the six yard box. 

Mexico should have been in front after 29 minutes when Andres Guardado's free kick from the right found Rafael Marquez and Hector Moreno unmarked at the far post but the opportunity went begging.

If the decision to deny dos Santos a first goal could be called a marginal call, the second after half an hour was a clear error.

Netherlands humiliates Spain (5-1)

The Netherlands' Robin van Persie provided the first goal of the tournament contender for the 2014 World Cup with his beautiful header to equalize against Spain just before halftime. It also led to a run of complete domination for the Dutch in the second half, giving them a 5-1 win.

But before their world came crashing down around them, Spain struck first with a Xabi Alonso penalty after the referee gifted Diego Costa with a (now customary in this tournament) soft penalty in the 27th minute. Spain then settled in as they looked to protect their lead and continue a streak of not conceding a single goal that carried all through the knockout stage four years ago.

But just as Spain seemed to be in control, Manchester United striker Van Persie found himself alone with the goalkeeper in front of him and the ball floating down from the heavens, so he glided through the air like a low hanging Superman and lobbed a header over Iker Casillas for the 44th minute equalizer.

Van Persie celebrated by running to manager Louis van Gaal, who will join him at Man United next season. And with the momentum in Holland's favor, Arjen Robben vanquished the ghost of his failed one v one in the 2010 final that has haunted him for the last four years by putting the Oranje up 2-1 in the 53rd minute on the reigning champions. 

Taking further advantage of the Spaniards' wobble, the Dutch added another goal in the 64th minute when 22-year-old defender Stefan de Vrij knocked in the first of his international career at the post.

They refused to let up as Casillas came way out to try and clear the ball from a charging Van Persie, but the Dutch captain won out and put it in the empty net to give the Netherlands a 4-1 lead in the 73rd minute. And finally, Robben took advantage of a wandering Casillas again by making it 5-1 in the 80th minute.

At this point, it should probably be noted that Spain did lose 1-0 to a Swiss team less talented than this Netherlands side to start the 2010 World Cup.