Saudi Arabia's Al Sugour play Tunisia's Carthage Eagles in the second match of Group H at the Allianz Arena, Munich, with the North African's going into the match as the slight favourites to win.

However, Saudi Arabia will be determined to start this tournament somewhat more convincingly than they did in their opening match of World Cup 2002.

On that occasion the Sons of the Desert were hammered 8-0 by Germany in Japan and finished the tournament goalless. Their Brazilian coach Marcos Paqueta believes his players have put the nightmare of the last World Cup behind them.

"We have a plan and the players feel good. I think 2002 should be behind them. They want to do everything possible to clean the slate," he said.

"I see my boys are very motivated. Once the match begins, they will show their composure, confidence and good morale."

Saudi defender Hussein Sulaimani, echoed the confidence of Paqueta, saying: "Our motivation is high, we see this match as a crossroads and an opportunity.

"We want to show a good picture of our team and Arab football. We have a dream and we are working very hard to make it come true. I want to do well because you never know if this is going to be your last World Cup."

Saudi Arabia are waiting to see if veteran striker Sami al-Jaber, who has been struggling with a thigh injury, will be available for selection.

If the 33-year-old - who is appearing at his fourth World Cup Finals - is ruled out. 23-year-old Yasser al-Qahtani is expected to take his place.

Tunisia’s Carthage Eales head coach Roger Lemerre believes a win in this match could determine which team has the best chance of progressing, before meeting Group H favourites Spain and Ukraine.

"The first match will be the first key,” said Lemerre. "Whoever opens the door in the first game can hope to progress. Psychologically, it's very important."

Ajax’s Tunisian defender Hatem Trabelsi is also aware of the importance of this first match: "This is going to be the most important and the most difficult match for us.

"I think both teams have a chance to win because both want a good start to the group. We are in our third consecutive finals and it is our aim to reach the second round this time."

The Carthage Eagles have had to make a second replacement to their initial 23-man squad.

Lemerre has made a bold move by calling up Strasbourg striker Haykel Guemamdia to replace injured defender Mehdi Meria.

Guemamdia, 24, will provide Tunisia with the necessary extra option in attack, but may leave Lemerre's team short on defensive choices.

Brazilian-born striker Francileudo Santos, who has scored 18 goals in 28 games since taking Tunisian nationality in 2003, is not expected to play, and Issam Jomaa has returned home with a knee problem.

Lemerre, said he didn’t know when his star striker might be fit. The 27-year-old marksman injured a knee during a friendly last week.

"We still do not know when Santos will be able to play. We are still hoping that he will be 100 percent soon," said Lemerre. He suggested that 19-year-old Yassine Chikhaoui will take his place.

Saudi Arabia (probable): Mohamed Al Deayea, Redha Tuker, Hussein Sulaimani, Hamad Al Montashari, Ahmed Dokhi, Saud Al Khariri, Mohamed Ameen, Mohamed Noor, Mohammad Al Shalhoub, Sami Al Jaber, Yassir Al Qahtani.

Tunisia (probable): Ali Boumnijel, Hatem Trabelsi, Radhi Jaidi, Karim Hagui, David Jemmali, Hamed Namouchi, Joahar Mnari, Adel Chedli, Riadh Bouazizi, Ziad Jaziri, Yassine Chikhaoui.

Referee: Mark Shield (Australia)