"On June 14 at 4 p.m., we expect an epidemic of unexplained illnesses to appear in Ukraine," Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov said Wednesday.

Ukraine's appearance in the World Cup is a source of pride for the ex-Soviet republic, whose team is led by AC Milan's Andriy Shevchenko ¡ª one of the world's top strikers. Much of the country's 47 million population is expected to watch a TV broadcast of the team's opening game.

Yekhanurov, noting that the game starts near the end of the working day, said the government recommended employers start the day earlier or bring in televisions and allow a break.

"I want to say this so that all our players know that the government and all of the people will be supporting you," Yekhanurov said at a cabinet session.

Ukraine is playing in Group H, which also includes Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Shevchenko, who hurt a knee May 7, isn't playing in the warmups but is expected to recover in time for the opener against Spain.