Saudi Arabia coach Marcos Paqueta believes their opening World Cup clash against Tunisia on June 12 will be a "fight of a game."

The Saudis failed to make it past the group stages at both the 1998 and 2002 tournaments, and Paqueta is keen to avoid an unwanted hat-trick as he targets three Group H points against the African nation.

"It's against the only other Arabic team, it's going to be an Arab derby, a fight of a game, it's the key for us," the Brazilian coach said.

"We will try to win it. You have one chance and you have to take it. If we win there will be more pressure on (fellow Group H opponents) Spain and Ukraine, especially if one of them loses their first match.

"I have a lot of respect for the Tunisian team, and most of our focus has been on that game, although of course we are planning for the other two matches. I think we need five points to get to the second round."