Brazil kick off their bid for a sixth World Cup success against minnows North Korea on Tuesday.
Samba boys at full strength for opener
Brazil kick off their bid for a sixth World Cup success against minnows North Korea on Tuesday evening.
The Samba boys are among the favourites to go all the way in South Africa and North Korea are not expected to produce one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history at Ellis Park in their Group G opener.
It is the first meeting between the two countries, as the highest-ranked team at the World Cup comes up against the lowest-ranked.
The South African World Cup has yet to genuinely come to life this summer and it is unlikely that there will be an upset on Tuesday night, but North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun will have his fingers crossed.
North Korea have not been to a World Cup finals since 1966 when they reached the quarter-finals thanks to a stunning win over Italy, and the nation is dreaming of a performance to match that from 44 years ago.
Kim's men reached South Africa the hard way after coming through five preliminary rounds to enter the Asian qualifying section and eventually book a place at the finals via an organised and defensive approach.
Forward Hong-Yong Jo, of Russian club FC Rostov, is North Korea's captain and leading scorer, while Jong Tae Se is described as the 'Asian Wayne Rooney' and he has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Confidence
Brazil need no introduction and despite being drawn in this summer's supposed 'Group of Death', they will not be intimidated having not failed to progress since 1966.
Dunga's men will begin their participation in South Africa full of confidence after winning the Confederations Cup last year.
They also go into the game with a fully-fit squad as Dunga looks to put down a marker for the rest of the tournament.
Goalkeeper Julio Cesar is set to play after recovering from a back injury, meaning Tottenham's Heurelho Gomes will start on the bench.
Luis Fabiano is set to lead the attack, with Kaka and Robinho playing a supporting role.
All eyes will be on Kaka after a domestic season at Real Madrid that was severely disrupted by injuries and a lack of form.
North Korea have no injury problems to contend with for the game, with Kim set to favour his preferred defensive formation to cope with Brazil's array of stars.
