It is also worth noting that while only three of the 10 European teams to have played so far have won, only two have lost.
Meanwhile, not one South American team has managed a win so far.
Brazil – the most successful team at World Cups with five titles – were held by Morocco, while inaugural winners Uruguay drew with Saudi Arabia. Paraguay, meanwhile, were beaten 4-1 by tournament co-hosts the USA. Argentina and Colombia are still to play.
Asia’s representatives remain unbeaten and African nations have taken points from several higher-ranked opponents, underlining how difficult this World Cup has become for the traditional powers.
“I’m disappointed [with Brazil],” former Uruguay international Gus Poyet said on BBC One.
“I was surprised how bad technically they were. I don’t know if it was the pitch, maybe the pitch didn’t help but they were missing passes, simple passes that you would expect the Brazilian players to do well.”
Fortunately for all those who have made slow starts at this World Cup, nothing is over after the first game.
With two more group games to come, they have plenty of time to improve and secure their place in the knockouts.
