Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure is relishing the chance to upset Portugal in his side's first Group G game.
The teams meet in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday afternoon, and Toure is looking forward to the challenge of trying to dent the World Cup hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates.
He said: "Knowing that we face Portugal, a big team in this competition, it motivates us even more," he said.
"We must have mental strength because the match will be decided on details."
The Ivory Coast's own ambitions in South Africa could depend largely on how star striker Didier Drogba recovers from his broken arm with coach Sven-Goran Eriksson keeping his fingers crossed.
Asked if the Chelsea frontman will be fit, Toure replied: "Didier is a very important player for us. It is difficult to answer your question but, you never know, we will see."