Sweden and South Korea get their World Cup campaigns underway when they meet in Nizhny Novgorod on Monday.
The game could be crucial for both sides' chances of qualification as they also face holders Germany and Mexico in Group F.
However, neither side comes into the tournament in encouraging form.
World Cup 2018 groups: games, tables, current standings and analysis
SWEDEN
Sweden had just stunned Italy in the play-offs to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 2006 when a tweet was posted by the country's best player: "We are Zweden."
The shadow of Zlatan Ibrahimovic hangs over the national team.
The Manchester United striker retired from international soccer after the 2016 European Championship and much of the build-up this time around was whether he might be lured back for one last World Cup.
Sweden seem more united and well-structured, but now they will find out just good they are without the force that made them tick for so long.
Key player: Emil Forsberg (Leipzig) - Has replaced Ibrahimovic as Sweden's inspiration in attack.
Coach: Janne Andersson - Took charge following Euro 2016 and has successfully rebuilt the team to be greater than the sum of its parts without Ibrahimovic.
SOUTH KOREA
Every World Cup since 1986 has featured South Korea. This time looks likelier to be a repeat of 2014's meek group-stage exit than 2002's swashbuckling run to the semi-finals.
Qualifying was tricky, with a place only secured thanks to a tense 0-0 draw against fellow qualifying contenders Uzbekistan on the final day of the Asian group stages, combined with Syria's failure to beat Iran.
Much will depend on a due of English Premier League players - Tottenham's Son Heung-min and Swansea's Ki Sung-yeung who bring valuable experience of top-level football.
Key player: Son Heung-min (Tottenham) - The top-scoring Asian player in Premier League history.
Coach: Shin Tae-yong - When defeats to Qatar and China threw South Korea's qualifying campaign into turmoil, the former Under-23 coach was promoted to steady the ship. Has only ever coached in South Korea and Australia.
Sweden, who are without the internationally-retired Zlatan Ibrahimovic, failed to score in their last three warm-up matches and have not won a game since beating Italy in the first leg of their play-off qualifier last November.
South Korea have had similar struggles over the last month - losing to Senegal and Bosnia and Herzegovina in friendlies.
However, while Sweden don't have Ibrahimovic, South Korea do have their talisman; Heung-Min Son.
The Tottenham forward scored 18 goals in all competitions last season and South Korea will be hoping he can deliver as they prepare for their ninth successive World Cup.
"I feel great when people say good things about me but what's important is that I have to show it on the pitch," said Son.
"I know lots of people's expectations are on me, so I also feel a responsibility."
South Korea only picked up a point at the last World Cup while Sweden made the last 16 in their last World Cup appearance in 2006.
The opening Group F game takes place on Sunday as Germany face Mexico.
Opta stats
Sweden are unbeaten in their four previous games against South Korea (W2 D2). It's their first encounter at the World Cup.
Since finishing as runners-up on home soil in 1958, Sweden have progressed past the second round of the World Cup only once, it was in 1994 when they finished third.
Sweden are unbeaten in their last nine group games at the World Cup (W3 D6), with their last defeat in the first round of the competition dating back to 20 June 1990 (1-2 v Costa Rica). Sweden have kept only three clean sheets in their last 24 games at the World Cup.
Sweden have won none of their last seven opening games at the World Cup (D5 L2), their last victory dating back to 1958, on home soil (3-0 v Mexico). Meanwhile, South Korea are unbeaten in their last four openers (W3 D1).
South Korea have won only one of their last nine World Cup games (D3 L5) - it was in their opening match of the 2010 edition against Greece (2-0). That win is also their only clean sheet in their last 12 matches in the competition.
Five of South Korea's last eight goals at the World Cup have been scored from outside the box. Also, 12 of South Korea's last 13 goals in the competition have come after half-time.
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