New Zealand captain Tim Brown is hoping his team can put their underdog tag to good use in the Confederations Cup on Wednesday.

The All Whites take on hosts South Africa after a damaging 5-0 loss to Spain but Brown believes the side is capable of turning things around and gain that elusive point in an FIFA competition they have qualified for.

"It's a massive challenge for us on the back of a performance we weren't very pleased with against Spain," Brown said.

"Not too many people are expecting too many great things from us and that might allow us to play with some freedom.

"Hopefully we can turn things around and create a little bit of history with an upset."