Croatia coach Mirko Jozic will be on a mission to prove two high-profile critics wrong when his side open their campaign today.
Javier Aguirre, coach of opponents Mexico, has offended Jozic by pouring scorn on his players' capabilities and his prowess as a coach. But it is the harsh words of predecessor Miroslav Blazevic that are eating away at Jozic.
Blazevic, the man who led what was known as the "golden generation" of players to the semi-finals in France, has accused Jozic of "betraying" the nation's love for attractive football.
The team conceded just two goals in their qualifying campaign - the lowest number of any European nation. Jozic, who will stand down after the finals, accepts only another thrill-filled tournament will earn him a fond farewell but he warns Croatian fans that he is aiming for points first and foremost.
"For me, reaching the second round will be an achievement," he said.
"People always talk about the "golden generation"... it is true, these players are not as confident. They may have lost some of their lustre, but we have many qualities and I am proud of them."
After taking over from Blazevic during the qualifying campaign, Jozic has had to build a team without the likes of 1998 talisman, Zvonimir Boban.
Yet despite his love for defensive fortitude, he has also indulged Robert Prosinecki, another of the "old guard", by surrounding the ageing playmaker with team-mates who think nothing of sacrificing themselves for "Robbie".
Mexico's forward partnership of Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Jared Borgetti is also one of proven class.
It was their goals which helped rescue Mexico's qualifying campaign. But with Jesus Arrellano and Johan Rodriguez suspended for the match in Niigata, and both winger Rafael Garcia and midfielder Gerardo Torrado battling against injury, the Mexicans are struggling to convince as a unit.
Probable teams...
Croatia: Pletikosa, Zivko-vic, R. Kovac, Simunic, Jarni, Tomas, Soldo, N. Kovac, Prosinecki, Suker, Boksic.
Mexico: Perez, Vidrio, Marquez, Carmona, Morales, Caballero, Torrado, Luna, Mercado, Blanco, Borgetti.
Referee: Jun Lu (China).
On TV: Ch. 12, Rai Uno 8.30 a.m.