The Group of Death highlights Tuesday's action, but two of the tournament's bigger underdogs have a chance to grab an early lead in their group as New Zealand and Slovakia tangle in Group F action at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg, South Africa (7:30 a.m., ESPN/ESPN3.com).
With Italy and Paraguay playing to a stalemate on Monday, first place in the group is up for grabs. Not much is expected from New Zealand in this tournament, as they are the ranked 78th in the latest FIFA rankings, which is third-worst among all World Cup teams (South Africa is 83rd, North Korea is 105th). Former D.C. United player Ryan Nelsen captains the All Whites and will look to steer the ship for the upset.
Slovakia is making its World Cup debut as an independent nation (Czechoslovakia participated eight times before 1993). Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik is the one to watch for the European side, as the offense will run through the 22-year-old star-in-the-making.
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