Vladimir Weiss Sr's side were pitched against Paraguay and New Zealand in what is likely to boil down to a race for second place in Group F behind reigning champions Italy.

And with the unheralded Kiwis expected to be along largely for the experience, Weiss and his men have made optimistic noises about pipping the South Americans to the second qualifying spot.

The coach said: "I think that's a good group. There are many more difficult, but we must keep our feet on the ground and, above all, prepare ourselves.

"I like this group. They are all difficult opponents but we have a team which can compete with them.

"The fixture list also fell well for us - playing New Zealand first, then Paraguay, and leaving Italy until the end.

"We must take each opponent seriously and play with humility, but also the necessary confidence."

Slovakia were, of course, part of a united Czechoslovakia team until gaining independence in 1993.

Czechoslovakia were twice beaten finalists at the World Cup, in 1934 and 1962, and also won the European Championship in 1976 with a largely Slovakian core to their squad, managing the ever-difficult feat of beating West Germany on penalties in the final.

Dr Jozef Venglos, assistant coach on that occasion and later the head coach of both Czechoslovakia and Slovakia, believes his successor can guide his team to the knockout stages this time around.

"I think coach Weiss has a good enough team to progress further," he said.

"New Zealand are not a top-quality team and Paraguay, although technically sound, are a negotiable team. I believe Slovakia will advance to the next battle."

An impressive qualification campaign brought home and away wins over both Northern Ireland and Poland, Slovakia sealing their place with victory in Chorzow courtesy of an early own goal by Poland defender Seweryn Gancarczyk.

The highlight, though, came when they beat their former allies the Czech Republic in Prague, Erik Jendrisek making himself a hero with an 83rd-minute winner after Stanislav Sestak's opener was cancelled out by an own goal from Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.

The latter is one of his country's best-known players but faces a battle to prove his fitness ahead of the biggest month in their history after fracturing a metatarsal in February.

But the coach's son, winger Vladimir Jr, has enjoyed more regular Barclays Premier League action of late after being loaned from Manchester City to Bolton.

Marek Cech has been promoted back to the top flight with West Brom and Miroslav Stoch has impressed for FC Twente while on loan from Chelsea.

A number of their squad ply their trade in the resurgent German Bundesliga, while captain Marek Hamsik has first-hand knowledge of the group favourites.

The Napoli player said: "I watched the draw live. Here in Italy it was a big event. When the first three pots had been drawn, I wanted to be in with Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand. And it worked.

"I am happy, with the opponents and the order of the games.

"New Zealand are a complete unknown for us, but they are a team we should be able to beat, and November's friendly against Chile means we will be well prepared for Paraguay, who play a similar style.

"Italy are the favourites, but you can compete with anyone. For me, it is certainly an advantage that I am currently in Italy and I know every player from the 'Squadra Azzurra'."

Hannover defender Jan Durica feels his side have "a real chance to advance", while striker Robert Vittek added: "It is definitely one of the friendly groups."

With Holland the likeliest second-round opponents, reaching that stage appears the realistic limit of Slovakia's ambitions - meaning June 20's clash with Paraguay at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein is likely to hold the key for Weiss and his men.

Win that - and avoid a slip-up against New Zealand - and they would surely return home to a heroes' welcome.