New Zealand, who drew world champions Italy alongside Paraguay and Slovakia, head into the South Africa tournament as massive underdogs.

But Gold Coast United frontman Smeltz believes the All Whites shouldn't be daunted.

"We certainly could have drawn a harder group, but of course there are no easy games in the World Cup," he told FIFA.com.

"Everyone will be fighting to get into the second round and we have the same ambition even though we will probably be written off by many before we get there.

"It will be three massive games for us and everyone is really looking forward to it."

New Zealand lost 4-3 to group opponent Italy in South Africa last year and Smeltz believes that experience holds them in good stead.

"We played against Italy in the lead up to the Confederations Cup and I scored against them," Smeltz said.

"We put on a good show and though we lost we take some confidence from that. We will certainly not be daunted playing against Slovakia, Paraguay and even Italy."

And Smeltz hopes New Zealand's participation at the World Cup alone continues the rise of football in the rugby-mad country.

"I'm a player that loves the game and there is nothing better than to see young children playing football in a country, where in the past the majority would have been playing rugby or other sports," he said.

"Now with football on the rise, and certainly now going to the World Cup, the profile has lifted in a major way and its great to see the buzz around the country."

New Zealand's first 2010 World Cup match is against the Slovakians in Rustenburg on June 15.