Sweden and Tunisia get their World Cup campaigns underway on Sunday evening when they meet in Monterrey in a match that already carries huge significance in Group F.
With the Netherlands expected to top the section and Japan also viewed as strong contenders for qualification, both nations know three points here could prove decisive in the race for the knockout stages.
Sweden arrive with confidence after navigating a difficult route to North America, while Tunisia head into the tournament on the back of a disappointing run of results that has raised questions about their chances of progressing.
Sweden's qualification journey looked over long before it was rescued. They failed to win a single match during the main qualifying phase and appeared destined to miss out on a second consecutive World Cup. A favourable play-off route via the Nations League gave them one final opportunity and the appointment of Graham Potter transformed their fortunes.
Switching to a disciplined 3-4-3 system, Sweden defeated both Ukraine and Poland to secure their place at the finals. Viktor Gyokeres was the star of the show, scoring four goals across the two victories and establishing himself as the focal point of the attack.
Tunisia's route to the tournament was considerably more straightforward. They topped their qualifying group unbeaten, winning nine of their 10 matches and becoming one of the first nations to complete a World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding a goal.
The achievement deserves recognition, although the standard of opposition must also be considered. Matches against Sao Tome, Malawi, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea and Namibia provided few opportunities to test themselves against elite-level opponents. Since Sabri Lamouchi's appointment earlier this year, Tunisia have played four friendlies and lost three of them, including a heavy 5-0 defeat against Belgium earlier this month.
How the bookies view it
Sweden are priced at 19/20, implying a 51.3% probability of victory. Tunisia are available at 7/2, implying 22.2%, while the draw is 5/2, implying 28.6%.
Over 2.5 goals is priced at 13/10, implying a 43.5% probability, while both teams to score is available at 11/10, implying 47.6%.
Head to head: First competitive meeting
These nations have never previously met in a competitive fixture.
Player to watch: Viktor Gyokeres to cause havoc
Gyokeres arrives at the World Cup as Sweden's most important player and the man Tunisia must stop if they are to take anything from this match.
The striker carried Sweden through the play-offs, scoring four goals in two matches and producing when the pressure was at its highest. His hat-trick against Ukraine effectively saved Sweden's World Cup hopes before he followed it up with the winning goal against Poland. Those performances alone would make him Sweden's key attacking threat, but his overall form suggests he is capable of causing problems for any defence at this tournament.
Across qualifying, Gyokeres scored four goals and supplied one assist in six appearances. He registered 10 shots, six of which were on target, producing a shot accuracy of 60%. He completed every minute of Sweden's qualifying campaign and was never booked, highlighting both his discipline and importance to Potter's side.
His partnership with Alexander Isak could be one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the group stage. Isak's movement creates space for Gyokeres to attack central areas, while Gyokeres provides the physical presence capable of occupying defenders. Tunisia possess an experienced defence, but containing both forwards for 90 minutes represents a difficult challenge.
Predicted line ups
Sweden (3-4-2-1): Johansson; Hien, Lindelof, Lagerbielke; Gudmundsson, Ayari, Karlstrom, Bernhardsson; Nygren, Isak; Gyokeres.
Tunisia (4-2-3-1): Dahmen; Valery, Talbi, Bronn, Abdi; Skhiri, Khedira; Achouri, Hannibal, Chaouat; Mastouri.
Anything else catch the eye?
Sweden to win stands out.
The contrast in momentum between these sides is difficult to ignore. Sweden have won four of their last five competitive matches and produced their best performances when qualification was on the line. Potter appears to have settled on a system that suits the players available to him, while the attacking combination of Gyokeres and Isak gives Sweden genuine quality in the final third.
Tunisia arrive with considerably more uncertainty. Losing all three June friendlies is not ideal preparation for a World Cup and the 5-0 defeat against Belgium exposed weaknesses against higher-level opposition. Lamouchi has had limited time to implement his ideas and the signs from recent performances have not been particularly encouraging.
That is not to say Tunisia should be underestimated. Their defensive record throughout qualifying was exceptional and their experienced back line contains players with significant international experience. Captain Ellyes Skhiri remains the heartbeat of the team and provides leadership in midfield, while Tunisia's organisation and work rate ensure they are rarely easy opponents.
The concern lies at the other end of the pitch. Tunisia struggled to create clear chances against stronger opposition during their recent friendlies and there are doubts over the fitness of Hannibal, arguably their most creative player. If he is unavailable or below full fitness, much of Tunisia's attacking responsibility falls on a side that has historically struggled to score goals at major tournaments.
Sweden look better equipped in the key areas. They possess the stronger attacking players, arrive in superior form and have already shown they can handle pressure situations under Potter. Tunisia should remain competitive for long periods and their defensive structure will make life difficult, but Sweden have more match-winners capable of deciding tight contests.
At odds approaching even money, Sweden look the most appealing option in Monterrey.
GambleAware