Portuguese Men o’ War set for Group of Death
If there is a the traditional infamous ‘Group of Death’ in 2010 then it is Group G, where Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast will have to battle it out with North Korea’s campaign looking as good as over.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believes the opening match against an Ivory Coast side that should number stars such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure could be decisive.
Queiroz said: “There are clearly three teams for two places.
“The line-up shows this. Portugal starts against the Ivory Coast and in such a close test there is no room for error. It may be the key game.
“The first match will be decisive. We have a good chance of beating the Ivory Coast, now we have to prepare ourselves well.”
Tournament hosts South Africa will do well to avoid an exit in the group after their top seeding did little to protect them.
France, Mexico and Uruguay will be the opponents for Bafana Bafana in Group A, and there were gasps in the audience in Cape Town’s Convention Centre at the toughness of the draw.
France coach Raymond Domenech said he was delighted to be facing the host nation South Africa.
“Meeting the host nation is never a gift in such a test,” he said. “That said, to play against South Africa, the first African country to host a World Cup on its continent, is a great sense of pride for everything this match could be worth.
“It’s good to play from the first day. You’re not waiting around, you’re not asking yourself questions, you start the challenge quickly.”
South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said: “It is up to us to prepare as much as possible. The French play with big clubs but it doesn’t mean we have to be afraid. We need to have strength to make it.”
Group D also looks daunting with Germany up against Serbia, Australia and Ghana, currently the in-form team in Africa.
Reigning champions Italy, who topped Ireland’s qualifying group, are in Group F with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia – and rivalling England for the easiest-looking task in the first phase. Italy coach Marcello Lippi is remaining cautious, however.
“I am neither worried nor satisfied,” said Lippi. “They are all strong rivals. They are not easy nor difficult. It becomes more difficult if you underestimate them.”
It is Spain however who have been installed as the bookies’ favourites and should comfortably qualify for the knock-out stages against Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in Group H.
Coach Vicente del Bosque said: “It’s not a group to complain about, neither is it one to be euphoric about.
“Honduras are the least known, but they will present their difficulties. Chile have a great team, and Switzerland are doing well.
“We will have to prepare well. They are three teams who have qualified well and we must be cautious.”
In past tournaments Argentina may have been confident to get past Nigeria, South Korea and Greece in Group B, but their trials and tribulations under Diego Maradona makes that no longer a dead cert.
Holland are favourites to win Group E, but there should be an interesting tussle between Cameroon, Denmark and Japan for the second spot.
England manager Fabio Capello had his fair share of fortune United States, Algeria and Slovenia emerging from the draw.
Algeria are one of the weaker African nations and Slovenia one of the poorest European countries.
Meanwhile Oscar-award-winning South African actress Charlize Theron, 34, kept Irish eyes smiling before and during the draw.
During the dress rehearsal for the draw on Thursday, the actress gave Ireland a place in the finals – this after French soccer player Thierry Henry’s infamous handball dashed Ireland’s World Cup hopes.
Theron, who co-hosted last night’s draw with FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke, pulled the “Ireland” ball out of the bowl instead of France.
“Yes, she did, but it was only a joke,” Valcke admitted afterwards.
And last night, Theron, who is engaged to Irish actor Stuart Townsend, made a veiled reference to Ireland’s disappointment while shaking her head when she pulled the France ball out in the draw.
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