New Zealand could be excused for being quietly petrified heading into their Fifa under-17 Soccer World Cup opener against Brazil in South Korea today.
Aside from the fact that the "Selecao" are hot favourites to win their fourth title in a decade (the tournament is held every two
years), a crowd of 30,000 is expected at Jeju's World Cup Stadium for the 8pm (NZT) kickoff.
A good portion of them will be drawn through the turnstiles for a glimpse of the latest Brazilian superstar in waiting, gifted Corinthians playmaker Lulinha, who scored 12 goals when Brazil won their eighth South American title in 12 starts in Ecuador in March.
New Zealand's road to the World Cup has been full of challenges.
Defender Isaac Fitzgerald is in the midst of a gruelling schedule of chemotherapy after having a 2.2kg tumour, and his kidney, removed in June shortly after returning from a warm-up tournament in Korea.
Lance Heslop's jaw and his World Cup dream were shattered at the same tournament, and New Zealand were literally rattled by a deadly earthquake in Niigata last month just as they were receiving a pre-game prep talk.
But all the trials and tribulations have served only to bring coach Colin Tuaa's side closer together.
"No one gives us a chance but what a great opportunity," he said.
"We're at a World Cup and we're on prime-time TV back home so we've got the chance to do something really positive for the game as a whole if we can get something out of the game."
Tuaa knows the trick is ensuring his players are not overawed by their opponents or the occasion, something that is easier said than done.
"You just say the name Brazil and you think of Ronaldinho and skill and tricks and flair," he said.
"It's going to be tough, but again I stress it's about focusing on us, not them, thinking about the great football we've played over the last year and trying to play our game rather than worrying about what Brazil are trying to do.
"Defending strongly with discipline will be a key but the message won't be to sit back and defend."
- NZPA
