New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz believes getting to the Round of 16 at this year's World Cup is a realistic goal.
The All Whites have been labelled as a World Cup 'punching bag' meaning they are not expected to win a game let alone enter the second phase of the tournament but Smeltz has other ideas.
"Yes, it's realistic (to get to the second round)," he said in an interview with Goal.com. "You have to go there with that ambition. We are going there with nothing to lose. We are proud to go to the World Cup and we want to walk away proud as well."
The Gold Coast United star knows the importance of getting a positive result in their first group stage match against World Cup debutants Slovakia, which takes place on June 15 in Rustenburg.
"It is important to take something from the first game as we have two tough games to follow. If we do well against Slovakia, that will set us up for the rest of the campaign," he added.
"I don't see why not (beating Slovakia). We've learned our lesson in sitting back before and giving opposition too much respect. Eventually, they will find a way through. We have got a decent side going forward now and hopefully we can cause some problems."
