Champions Spain to face France
Defending champions Spain were drawn against 1998 winners France in World Cup 2014 qualifying in the biggest match-up of the tournament.
“It’s an extremely difficult group,” said Noel Le Graet, the head of the French Football Federation. “We have time to progress but it’s absolutely essential to finish first. We will face Spain and be very competitive. We still have a year-and-a-half to get ready.”
The qualifying round takes place from September 7, 2012 until October 15, 2013 as eight best runners-up in the nine group competition will play-off with the winners also making the finals in Brazil.
The lucky English
Fortune shone on England as they were drawn with Euro 2012 rivals Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland and makeweights Moldova and San Marino in Group H.
If England slip up then they will have to go through the playoffs for one of four remaining berths, assuming they at least finish as one of the best eight runners-up in the nine groups across the continent.
“I’m confident,” said England manager Fabio Capello. “But it’s not going to be easy. Ukraine and Montenegro are going to be tough.”
Japan, Australia face tough qualifying
Reigning Asian champions Japan were grouped with North Korea, while Australia and Saudi Arabia came out together in penultimate qualifying for the 2014 World Cup after this weekend’s draw.
Japan, Asia’s top-ranked nation at 16, were placed in Group C along with Uzbekistan, Syria and North Korea, who went to last year’s World Cup finals in South Africa while Australia will battle with four-time World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia, Oman and Thailand to progress to the final qualifying phase from Group D.
Other draws
Four-time champions Italy are in Group B with difficult matches against Denmark and the Czech Republic standing in their way with Bulgaria, Armenia and Malta also in the section.
South Korea are also in Group B alongside Kuwait, Lebanon and the UAE, while China and Iraq head Group A along with Jordan and Singapore.
Bidding to qualify for a fourth finals, Iran are up against Bahrain, 2022 hosts Qatar and Indonesia in a competitive Group E.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2011.
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