Cameroon and Croatia clash in Manaus tomorrow looking to put their troubles behind them and keep alive their hopes of making the World Cup knock-out rounds.
Having both lost their opening match, a victory would be fundamental in staying alive in a tough Group A including hosts Brazil and Mexico.
But a win would also allow each side to forget off-field troubles that have threatened to disrupt their preparation.
In the case of the Africans it is the near certain absence of talismanic striker Samuel Eto'o due to a knee injury.
"I am hoping the gods grant me a miracle and that I am able to defend my dear, beautiful country," Eto'o told Cameroon Radio-Television (CRTV).
"If this is not the case, I will always play my role as captain and especially as the big brother to push my young teammates to victory."
Eto'o's knee problem stems from the end of his club season with Chelsea.
He says he hasn't been 100 percent for months and right from the start of the opening 1-0 loss to Mexico last Friday, he was in pain.
"During the first match of the World Cup against Mexico, I tried but after consulting the medical staff we realised that I needed a rest. Even in the ninth minute, I felt pain," said the 33-year-old.
Croatia's problems are somewhat different as they lick their wounds and try to digest the bitter pill of their 3-1 loss to Brazil last Thursday.
Two key incidents changed the game as Brazil were awarded a highly contentious penalty to go 2-1 ahead before the Europeans controversially had a goal disallowed that would have levelled the scores.
But worse was to follow at the weekend as players were upset by some overly revealing coverage of their Brazilian campaign.
