The Young All Whites are targeting four points from their three group games at the under-17 World Cup tournament in Nigeria as they strive to become the first New Zealand soccer side to reach the playoffs stage of a Fifa tournament.
Their campaign begins at Enugu on Monday morning (NZtime) against Costa Rica followed by Burkina Faso and Turkey on Thursday and Sunday mornings respectively.
The absence of traditional powerhouses in New Zealand's group has raised hopes of a breakthrough second round appearance, but even so coach Steve Cain admits his side are still comfortable with the underdog tag.
"If you look at the other groups there's real heavyweights up against each other, in fact there's three in every group except ours," Cain said.
"We'll be seen by the other teams as the easy-beats in our group and that's fair enough, that's the way we want it."
The 24 teams are divided into six pools of four, with the top two teams from each group joined in the knockout stage by the four best third placed teams.
"Four points will be enough for a best third-place finish," Cain said.
"You may even find three points will do if you have a good goal difference but four points will all but guarantee it.
"I do think it's a realistic aim for us and if we get one win, we're in the market for a second round spot."
The tournament starts on Sunday with hosts and reigning champions Nigeria playing Germany.
NZPA