Soccer experts Bobby Almond, Vaughan Coveny, and Paul Ifill weigh up our boys' chances against Slovakia.
BOBBY ALMOND
1982 All Whites defender
If the All Whites are going to get a result, the first game is their best chance.
Whether it's one point or three, it still keeps them in the tournament and gives them confidence.
It has been 28 years since New Zealand have been
at a World Cup so it's something of an unknown but people should take heart from their warm-up games. The side has particular strength in certain areas but what they have shown is they can foot it on the international scene.
It's the first game for both sides so I expect it will be tentative. There will be confidence within the All Whites and there are growing expectations they can achieve something special. But they don't have to worry if they lose because it's not the end of the world - they have got to the World Cup.
I think Rory Fallon is going to be quite special. If he doesn't get a really good contract out of this tournament, I would be very, very surprised.
The back three are strong and have some speed and composure but the midfield isn't great. We are not going to be a team that creates a lot. We don't have 15 or 16 world-class footballers but what we have is a team full of professional footballers. I think they are a much stronger side than we were in 1982. If they don't get too nervous, and I hope Ricki Herbert and Brian Turner can keep them calm, I think they are a chance to get a result.
I never get picks right so I really don't want to pick the result here.
VAUGHAN COVENY
All Whites goal record holder
It's going to be tough but as long as Ryan Nelsen and the rest of the first XI are on the park, I definitely think we have a chance. We are bringing some good form into the game and have a strong chance of knocking them over.
We shouldn't worry too much about the difference in rankings between New Zealand (79) and Slovakia (36). Yes, we have some part-time players, but we also have some experienced professionals who won't be overawed. The All Whites will have a game plan and will have done their homework - that's what Ricki Herbert is renowned for - so they will be well prepared.
It's important we don't concede early because the longer the game goes the better for us. We will grow in confidence. Our strength is up front and at set-pieces and we need to take advantage of any chances we get.
Teams will underestimate the All Whites and take us lightly. We don't have a player with the X-factor but I think we can surprise Slovakia. I think it could be 1-1.
PAUL IFILL
Wellington Phoenix striker
It's going to be a tough game. Slovakia are good technically and will be good going forward with players like Hamsik, the Napoli midfielder, and Sestak up front who has scored a bucket-load of goals.
With a bit of luck, Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel won't be fit.
The All Whites need to get the ball to Rory Fallon and Chris Killen up front, who will cause the Slovakians a few problems.
If a chance comes Shane Smeltz's way he's going to tuck it away.
If I was a betting man, I would back Slovakia. But knowing loads of the guys in the New Zealand team, they have looked forward to this for so long. All they need is Slovakia to underestimate them and they are a chance.
I think it will be close - most outside New Zealand won't think so - and Ricki will have done his homework.
None of the All Whites have played at a World Cup before but it's all about confidence. If they can score first, they will settle into a rhythm. And if they can do that, who knows what they are capable of? I think the match will end 1-1.
