From the dizzying costs to organise the World Cup, to the coach who scored his country’s last World Cup goal before Brazil 2014 and a rare feat with the captain’s armband. Here are a number of facts about the 2014 World Cup kicking off today in Brazil.

Unbeaten Hosts
No host nation has ever lost their opening World Cup match, while only six have drawn in their opening match.

Unenviable Host
South Africa is the only host nation that failed to qualify from the group stages, finishing third with four points in 2010 behind Mexico on goal difference.

Long-serving captain

Mexico’s 35 year old defender Rafael Marquez will be the first player to captain his country at four World Cups.

Consistency
Germany is the only nation to have reached at least the semi-final stage in the last three World Cups.

Sole Experience
Daniel van Buyten is the only player in the current Belgium team that has played at a previous World Cup.

Scoring coach
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots scored the last World Cup goal for Belgium at the group stage of the 2002 World Cup.

Old allies reunite

Current Germany coach Joachim Löw was assistant to current USA coach Jürgen Klinsmann when both were with Germany for the 2006 World Cup. Both will meet in Group G at this year’s World Cup.

Goal quest
Germany striker Miroslav Klose needs only three goals to eclipse the all-time scoring record at the World Cup, a record held by former Brazil striker Ronaldo with 15 goals.

Goal drought
England forward Wayne Rooney has never scored a World Cup goal. This is the Manchester United player’s third World Cup.

Old wine in new skin
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi played for Nigeria at their first World Cup in USA 1994. His assistant Daniel Amokachi was Keshi’s teammate while goalkeeping coach Ike Shorunmu missed out of the final squad.

Finally, a family Affair
There will be some family bonding among the participating nations at Brazil 2014, with Ghana having brothers Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew in their squad. Both also play for same club, Olympique Marseille.

Their Ghana teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng meanwhile will come up against his half-brother and Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng who plays for Germany.

And Nigeria’s group opponents Bosnia-Herzegovina have in their fold midfielder Tino Susic, who is the nephew of the national team coach Safet Susic.