The favourable draw means Fabio Capello's side will be favourites to qualify for the knockout stages.
However, because England were drawn out in Group C - next to arguably the ubiquitous Group of Death, Group D - the Three Lions will be forced to take on one of the more dangerous sides in the tournament in Germany, Ghana, Serbia or Australia in the second round.
The rest of the draw sees five-time champions Brazil given a tough route into the second round, with Portugal and Ivory Coast drawn into their section. Minnows North Korea are expected to be the whipping boys in Group G.
Hosts South Africa also face one of the more difficult tasks with Mexico, Uruguay and France placed in Group A.
Group B sees Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea and Greece drawn together; Group E features Netherlands, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon; and Group H is made up of Euro 2008 winners Spain alongside Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.
Defending champion Italy have the easiest draw of all the seeded nations with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia likely to provide little more than a warm-up for the latter stages in Group F.
The opening game of the 2010 World Cup will see South Africa take on Mexico on June 11th.
However, because England were drawn out in Group C - next to arguably the ubiquitous Group of Death, Group D - the Three Lions will be forced to take on one of the more dangerous sides in the tournament in Germany, Ghana, Serbia or Australia in the second round.
The rest of the draw sees five-time champions Brazil given a tough route into the second round, with Portugal and Ivory Coast drawn into their section. Minnows North Korea are expected to be the whipping boys in Group G.
Hosts South Africa also face one of the more difficult tasks with Mexico, Uruguay and France placed in Group A.
Group B sees Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea and Greece drawn together; Group E features Netherlands, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon; and Group H is made up of Euro 2008 winners Spain alongside Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.
Defending champion Italy have the easiest draw of all the seeded nations with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia likely to provide little more than a warm-up for the latter stages in Group F.
The opening game of the 2010 World Cup will see South Africa take on Mexico on June 11th.
No comments:
Post a Comment