Milutinovic - battling a cold. (Allsport)

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China coach Bora Milutinovic may miss his team's World Cup opener against Costa Rica due to a heavy cold.

The Serbian, who is heading into his fifth World Cup in a row with his fifth different team, has already skipped a couple of training sessions over the past two days because of his illness and may not be on the bench for the clash against the Costa Ricans next Tuesday.

"I'm doing everything I can to get better, but the sickness is still there," said Milutinovic, who left Wednesday morning's training session to get some rest.

Despite his sickness Milutinovic remains enthusiastic about the tournament and believes that the Chinese must beat Costa Rica to stand a chance of progressing beyond the group stage.

He said: "The match against Costa Rica is decisive, because it will be the sign for the rest of the tournament for us".

Milutinovic is banking on a little inside knowledge helping him overcome the Costa Ricans, whom he coached at the 1990 World Cup.

One of his players then, Alexander Guimares, is now the team's coach.

"He was very valuable both on and off the pitch," said Milutinovic. "He had a very positive effect in leading the players. It's really important to have a pro like him in any group.

"I have a lot of respect for him. I'm sure we'll see a great match with both teams looking for the victory."