JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Brazil’s players are having a hard time waiting for their turn to debut at the World Cup.

The opener against North Korea is still three days away, and the Brazilians are eager to get on the pitch.

“We know we are ready,” Brazil left back Michel Bastos said yesterday. “If the match was today or tomorrow, we would be prepared. We’ve been preparing for a long time for this.”

Seeking their sixth world title, Brazil were one of the first teams to arrive in South Africa and have been practising in the country for more than two weeks. The team will debut on Tuesday against North Korea at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

“There is a lot of anxiety,” Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo said. “We have to admit there is a lot of anxiety. And it’s growing. I wish we could have played yesterday.”

The World Cup began Friday with two matches — host South Africa drawing Mexico 1-1 and France drawing Uruguay 0-0.

Brazil arrive as one of the favourites to win the first ever tournament in Africa after impressive results with coach Dunga despite a team lacking players such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Adriano. Brazil won the Confederations Cup last year and finished first in South American World Cup qualifying. They also did well in high-profile friendlies against England, Italy, Portugal and Argentina.