Host Brazil plays Croatia in opening game
(CNN) -- The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has thrown up the chance for revenge and the opportunity for the apprentice to become the master.
While the Netherlands will have an early opportunity for payback by taking on Spain in a repeat of the 2010 final, U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann will have the chance to lead his side against his native Germany.
Germany, coached by Klinsmann's former assistant Joachim Low, and the U.S. are in Group G along with Portugal and Ghana.
Klinsmann led Germany to the semifinals in 2006 where it was beaten by eventual winner Italy.
But the 49-year-old faces a difficult task to steer the U.S. through the group with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and a tricky Ghana side also in contention.
We have a big challenge ahead. But it's also exciting," Klinsmann told CNN's Shasta Darlington in Bahia, Brazil.
"When you go to a World Cup you want to play the biggest teams."
The contest, which will take place in Recife on June 26, is already being talked about with Low revealing the clash against the U.S. will be "something special."
"So, we will be meeting old friends," Low told German media.
"It's already something special to have the USA in our group.
"Jurgen and I have had a very good and close relationship for a long time.
"We have always exchanged ideas on a regular basis, but that will certainly change before the World Cup match."
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque revealed he predicted his side would be paired with the Netherlands.
His team is aiming to become the first European side to win the tournament in South America.