Slovakia striker Erik Jendrisek believes his country's opening Group F clash with New Zealand could hold the key to their World Cup hopes.

The two sides meet in Rustenburg on June 15 before both face reigning champions Italy and South American qualifiers Paraguay as they attempt to fight their way into the second phase of the competition.

Jendrisek told the Slovakia Football Association's official website, www.futbalsfz.sk: "That will be the first major match against New Zealand. In tournaments like this, it is very important that you start well. This is particularly true for teams like ours."