With a run-in through the softer side of the draw and most players fit (Filippo Inzaghi returns after a knee injury), the noise coming from the Italian camp is that of gentle purring.
Italy v Croatia
Today, Group G, 10.00
"We mustn't think we have already done it," said Paolo Maldini, the country's most capped player with 123 - though he limped out of training with a twisted ankle yesterday - after the Italians' opening win. No side boasts such a distinguished record against Italy as Croatia who are unbeaten in three meetings.
But the Croatian effort still centres on the thirtysomething services of Alen Boksic, Robert Prosinecki and Davor Suker. Their coach Mirko Jozic announced that Prosinecki and Suker would stay on the bench against Italy.
"We have to make way for younger, hungrier players," said Jozic. He was referring to Jurica Vranjes, Ivica Olic and Bosko Balaban.
But with Boris Zivkovic, Croatia's one classy defender, suspended after his red card against Mexico, and Chelsea's Mario Stanic their most potent weapon in reserve, the Croatian teamsheet is unlikely to alarm the Italians.
PROBABLE TEAMS
Italy: Buffon; Cannavaro, Nesta, Maldini; Zambrotta, Di Biagio, Tommasi, Panucci; Totti; Inzaghi, Vieri.
Croatia: Pletikosa; Simic, Kovac, Simunic, Jarni; Tomas, Soldo, Kovac, Prosinecki; Suker, Boksic.
Referee: M Merk (Germany)
Brazil v China PR
Today, Group C, 12.30
The match China have been engrossed about since the World Cup draw six months ago is a spectacle in the making, but not necessarily the one the thousands of Chinese fans who have descended on Jeju Island would wish.
Brazil's adventurous start to the competition, compared with China's abject defeat by Costa Rica, suggests a stroll. Anything less would be the shock of shocks. The best China can hope for may be a goal of their own to cheer.
Expect showboating aplenty from Rivaldo, needing to restore his good name. "We have to respect them because they are a national team, there have already been some surprises in this World Cup and we don't want to be on the end of one," said striker Rivaldo.
"We hope our second game will be much better than the first, so the supporters become more confident in us game by game."
PROBABLE TEAMS
Brazil (3-5-2): Marcos; Lucio, Polga, Junior; Cafu, Silva, Carlos, Juninho, Rivaldo; Ronaldo, Ronaldinho.
China (4-4-2): Jin; Enhua, Weifeng, Chengying, Yunlong; Xiaopeng, Hong, Tie, Mingyu; Haidong, Chen.
Referee: A Frisk (Sweden).
Mexico v Ecuador
Tomorrow, Group G, 7.30
Mexico, after their surprise win over Croatia, are looking to consolidate their position in the qualifying places from Group G against Hernan Dario Gomez's side.
They will be heartened by the news that Ecuador's talented playmaker Alex Aguinaga is likely to be missing.
His replacement, Ivan Kaviedes, is a reputable striker, but he will need to settle in quickly if he is to disturb the Mexican defence.
Javier Aguirre, meanwhile, is unlikely to change the formation which produced some impressive attacking football in Niigata.
Costa Rica v Turkey
Tomorrow, Group C, 10.00
A draw would not end Turkey's hopes of reaching the second round, but the players know they need to beat Costa Rica after losing their opening game 2-1 to Brazil. "We definitely must win the match," said their defender Emre Asik. Defeat would spell the end for the Euro 2000 quarter-finalists and take Costa Rica into the last 16, provided China do not beat Brazil, but confidence is high.
"We're a better team than Costa Rica," said Umit Ozat.
Turkey will be without Hakan Unsal and Alpay necessitating a revamp of their defence.
Japan v Russia
Tomorrow, Group H, 12.30
Such was the demand for this match that, when extra tickets went on sale yesterday, the entire Japanese mobile phone network crashed for an hour.
After Korea's sound victory against Poland the Japanese need to win this one to ease qualification and restore national pride.
Even victory will not cheer up the grumpy Russian coach, Oleg Romantsev, who said after the 2-0 victory over Tunisia: "There will be plenty of reprimands for my players."
