Trinidad and Tobago coach Even Pellerud has been wary of the Asian teams since the draw for the 2010 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup took place in May.
Now, defending champions North Korea (Korea DPR) stand between T&T and their goal of qualifying for the quarter-finals from Group A today at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, from 6 p.m.
For one of those teams, there is no tomorrow.
While the Koreans will settle for a point to progress to the next stage, only victory will fulfill the Soca Princesses' dreams of being the first T&T team to reach the second round of a World Cup.
In Pellerud's eyes, his team have raised their game since the start of the tournament last Sunday and he is once again backing them to do so.
"I'm pleased with the team's performance against Chile and maybe even a better performance against a strong Nigeria," Pellerud said at yesterday's pre-match press conference at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. "We're having the goal of going (through) to the second round. We know that it is a tremendous big task in terms of beating the reigning champions North Korea. That's our goal and we've prepared well for it."
Pellerud, also technical director of the T&T Football Federation women's football programme, said the momentum generated from his team's achievements so far augurs very well for the long-term future of women's football in Trinidad and Tobago.
For today's match, Pellerud has two injury concerns, including midfielder Jonelle Warrick, who is suffering an unspecified illness.
But T&T defender Khadisha Debesette is very confident of their chances against the Asians.
"The team built a lot of confidence after the loss (against Nigeria on Wednesday). Everybody was disappointed about the loss, but we're just coming out in the third game to pressure North Korea. We have to win to make more history for Trinidad and Tobago."
North Korean coach Ri Song Gun, aware that a loss for his team will see the defending champs exit the tournament early, says his team are not pressured by the prospect of losing.
"Tomorrow is the decisive match for us," Gun said through an interpreter. "We (do) not have any extra pressure if the game officials officiate the game in fair play principles, then we can show a very nice and high performance."
Asked whether Trinidad and Tobago will have more pressure on them as hosts, Gun said the home team have as much at stake as his team. North Korea, he added, will not be afraid to attack.
"It is the same match (situation for both teams)," Gun explained. "The match tomorrow will bear the same significance for us and Trinidad because it will be the decisive match for progress.
"We think they will put much attention to attack. We'll also put much attention to attack to win the game, but we will also pay much attention to defence, and will not miss the chance to score. We are confident to win tomorrow's match."
Before T&T clash with the Koreans,Group B teams Mexico and South Africa will battle for a consolation win from 3 p.m. at Ato Boldon Stadium, having no chance of moving to the knockout stages.
Also in action today, form team Germany play South Korea for the top of Group B at Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar from 3 p.m. The second match of that double-header will be between Group A leaders Nigeria and Chile. Nigeria will need at least a point to top the group, while Chile will play for pride after exiting the tournament following losses against T&T and the North Koreans.