Group F minnows New Zealand and Slovakia lock horns in a crucial game in Rustenburg on Tuesday.
Crucial opening game for Group F minnows
Group F minnows New Zealand and Slovakia lock horns in a crucial game in Rustenburg on Tuesday.
Reigning champions Italy are expected to progress to the last 16 along with Paraguay but both New Zealand and Slovakia will harbour hopes of springing a surprise.
Making a strong start is imperative with such difficult games still to come and New Zealand will be determined to show the world what they can do after qualifying for the first time since 1982.
The All Whites' form in friendly matches has not been too impressive since they edged out Bahrain in a two-legged play-off last November, but a recent victory over Serbia shows they cannot be taken lightly.
Manager Ricki Herbert will have captain and key centre-back Ryan Nelsen at his disposal despite the Blackburn player missing the final warm-up game against Chile with an ear infection.
Plymouth striker Rory Fallon and Middlesbrough's Chris Killen will lead the line, with Ipswich's Tommy Smith making it four England-based players in the side.
Tim Brown is struggling with a shoulder problem and experienced defender Ivan Vicelich will be asked to fill the void in midfield.
Slovakia news
Slovakia will be competing at their first finals after finishing top in a competitive qualifying group that also included Slovenia, Poland, Northern Ireland and Czech Republic.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is expected to shrug off an ankle problem he sustained in a warm-up game against Costa Rica.
Miroslav Stoch had also seemed doubtful due to a knee injury that has prevented him from training with the rest of the squad but he is confident of being fit.
All eyes will also be on playmaker Marek Hamsik, who has reportedly attracted interest from several of Europe's top clubs and could leave Napoli later in the summer.
