Tunisia's soccer player Radhi Jaidi plays with the ball during a training session for the World Cup in Schweinfurt June 12, 2006.[Reuters]

Large red and white Tunisian flags flutter from buildings and decorate coffee shops and replica shirts of top players like striker Ziad Jaziri are everywhere across the capital.

One coffee shop waiter said he had never see such faith in the national team -- many Tunisians were already preparing special chants for when they win.

"Everyone here is sure Tunisia will be the World Cup surprise," says 29-year-old phone operator Hassen.

French coach Roger Lemerre guided Tunisia to their first African Nations Cup win in 2004 and success in Germany would help him banish memories of his 2002 World Cup flop when he led ex-world champions France to an early exit.

But it will be a tough start, with French-based striker Francileudo Dos Santos only expected to be fit for Tunisia's second match after injuring his shin during a friendly in Germany.

The Brazilian-born player has scored 18 goals in 28 matches for Tunisia since switching allegiance at the start of 2004.

Injuries have forced striker Issam Jemaa and reserve defender Mehdi Meriah to withdraw from the competition and put defender Alaeddine Yahia out of the running for the first game against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Both Tunisia and Saudi Arabia will be desperate to notch up a victory before going on to face tougher Group H opponents Spain and Ukraine.

"It's obvious we are going to win the match," said Hassen. "The absence of some players won't weaken our team performance, which is ensured under Lemerre."

"Victory over Saudi Arabia will give the Carthage Eagles wings to fly even higher," said former player Nabil Kouki.

Tunisia will be making their fourth appearance in the World Cup finals after featuring in 1978, 1998 and 2002.