Ivory Coast's World Cup opener with Portugal will be no doddle especially that their ace Didier Drogba might miss Tuesday's game through injury. Conversely, five-time world champions Brazil will kick off their campaign with a relatively easy task against lowly North Korea in another Group G match. From Group F, New Zeland are taking on Slovakia in what's expected to be an average affair. Ivory Coast V Portugal Head to head: They have never met. Team news: Ivory coach Sven Goran Eriksson sought permission from Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda, who will officiate the game, for Drogba to play wearing a lightweight protective cast. The Chelsea hitman broke his arm in a pre-tournament warm-up game and it's yet to be known whether or not he will feature for his country. On the other hand, Portugal will miss Manchester United winger Nani who didn't recover from his shoulder injury on time. What they said: "The Ivorian squad is made up of some world class players but football remains a team game," Kolo Toure said. "And since Sven-Goran Eriksson took over the squad, he has been trying to build a proper team and we are on track." "Goals are like ketchup. When it comes out (of the bottle) it all comes out at once," Cristiano Ronaldo stated. Player to watch: Ivory Coast: Should he play, Ivory Coast captain Drogba will be the most important man in his team. Portugal: If Portugal stand any chance of reaching advanced stages in the World Cup, it's definitely down to Real Madrid hot-shot Ronaldo. Brazil V North Korea Head to head: They have never met. Team news: Brazil's first-choice keeper Julio Cesar missed the final warm-up match against Tanzania due to a back complaint, thus his participation is not guaranteed.
Kaka Heurelho Gomes will deputize for him should he be declared unfit. On the other hand, the North Korean squad is injury-free for the time being. What they said: "We know that all the players on the team are famous and that Brazil is the strongest team in the world. It doesn't seem like they have any weaknesses," coach An Yong-hak told the media. "Our chances may not be that great, but we can't say there's no chance at all." "I have similar characteristics as the coach, and that's important. Every team needs a player with a strong character to help out when a teammate is in need," Brazilian defensive midfielder Felipe Melo said. "We have similar style, always working hard to steal a ball here and there. I never like to lose a challenge, and he was like that too." Player to watch: Brazil: Kaka is Brazil's number-one man despite his poor season with Real. North Korea: forward Jong Tae-Se, dubbed the 'People's Wayne Rooney', stands out the most in the Asian team. New Zealand V Slovakia Head to head: They have never met. Team news: New Zealand midfielder Tim Brown is the only unavailable player in his side as he's still nursing a shoulder injury. At the other end, Slovakia centre-back Martin Skrtel and midfielder Miroslav Stoch have been suffering from an ankle injury and a knee problem respectively. What they said: "It's been a long time hasn't it? 28 years for a chance to try and change something. Look, it's good to be back. It's quite a distant memory but a very fond memory," stated New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert. "We are all full of expectation. The atmosphere is very good. It is the peak of the careers of every coach and player and there is a nice tension," Slovakia boss Vladimir Weiss said. "We will play with modesty but will be going for a win." Player to watch: New Zealand: Shane Smeltz was the most prominent in his side throughout the qualifiers. Slovakia: Marek Hamsik is undoubtedly the key man for the Slovakians.
