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All Whites Killen, Fallon and Smeltz celebrate - Source: Photosport -
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With Slovakia making their first appearance at a World Cup, and New Zealand making just their second appearance, their first since Spain 1982, this match is sure to be a nerve wracking affair for both sides.
That is especially the case given that a win for either of these sides would take them to the top of Group F.
The absence of Slovakia's most capped player, staunch midfielder Miroslav Karhan, is sure to hit the Slovakians hard, with the defensive midfield duties falling to 34-year-old Zdeno Strba
However, the Slovaks have had some good news, with defender Martin Skrtel, who suffered an ankle injury during their 3-0 win over Costa Rica almost certain to play, while young midfield ace Miroslav Stoch is also confident of overcoming knee trouble.
And although the All Whites are being classed as the major underdogs of the tournament, Slovakia are leaving nothing to chance, with defender Marek Cech insisting the Slovaks have the All Whites "all worked out" after watching their 1-0 win over Serbia in Austria.
Getting to grips with Slovakia
The All Whites, too, are preparing carefully, with skipper Ryan Nelsen admitting that the Kiwis know they are set to face a "well orgainsed, disciplined" side.
And while they may be 1000-1 rank outsiders to win the tournament, after beating Bahrain 1-0 in November 2009, the All Whites have come on in leaps and bounds.
Since Rory Fallon's header found the back of the net against Bahrain on that windy Wellington night, Ricki Herbert's boys have been put through their paces.
While the strike trio of A-League golden boot winner Shane Smeltz, West Brom's Chris Killen and qualifying hero Fallon, is gelling well, the midfield area is still a major concern for coach, Ricki Herbert.
The midfield dilemma has been made worse with the loss of experienced vice-skipper Tim Brown, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during their 2-1 loss to Australia.
Herbert has decided to go with All Whites veteran Ivan Vicelich and ageing Simon Elliot in the centre of the field, something which is sure to please Slovakia, although the All Whites will have the pace of Leo Bertos and All Whites newcomer Tommy Smith on their respective flanks.
The All Whites vs Slovakia will be live on ONE from 11.00pm. tvnz.co.nz's Sarah Williams will also be live scoring the match.
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Teams:
Slovakia (4-4-2)
1-Jan Mucha, 2-Peter Pekarik 3-Martin Skrtel, 16-Jan Durica,
4-Marek Cech, 7 6-Zdeno Strba, 7-Vladimir Weiss, 17-Marek Hamsik,
17-Miroslav Stoch, 11-Robert Vittek 28-9-Stanislav Sestak
New Zealand (3-4-3)
1-Mark Paston, 3- Tony Lochhead, 4-Winston Reid, 5- Ivan Viceleich,
6-Ryan Nelsen (C) 7-Simon Elliot, 9- Shane Smeltz, 10- Chris
Killen, 11-Leo Bertos, 14-Rory Fallon, 19-Tommy Smith
TAB Odds:
New Zealand to win - $8.00
Slovakia to win - $1.40
Draw - $4.10
