Asians Learn their World Cup Fate

I was one of the thousands of bleary-eyed Australians last night who sacrificed sleep to tune into the telecast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup draw. Australia was looking for an easier passage to the Round of 16 than what 2006 offered, however find themselves in a group arguably on par with or slightly more difficult than 2006. I immediately hit the forums after the draw to gauge the opinions of fellow Australian football fans. As expected, reactions were mixed. One thing was largely agreed upon though: that Pim Verbeek and the Socceroos will once again really have to earn their spot in the Round of 16.

After a contrived and somewhat tacky pre-draw cultural extravaganza in Cape Town, South Africa, the 32 participating nations finally learnt their World Cup fate in a nailbiting draw which was presided over by actress Charlize Theron in an interesting fashion. All four AFC representatives: Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and DPR Korea, were drawn in tough groups, with Australia and DPR Korea arguably drawing the most difficult combinations of teams. The groups containing AFC nations are as follows:

Group B

Argentina
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece

Comments: Perhaps the most open of any group involving an Asian nation. I am tipping Korea Republic to go through with Argentina despite the instability of Diego Maradona's reign.

Group D

Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Comments: No question, Australia has again been drawn in one of the toughest groups of the tournament. This will be Pim Verbeek's most imposing test yet as a manager. The Germans, Serbians, and Ghanaians can all match Australia technically and physically. Taking points off Germany in the opening match of the group may be vital to Australia's chances of progression.

Group E

Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Comments: If Japan is to indeed fulfil its desire to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, it will first have to negotiate this tricky group. The Netherlands swept aside the Japanese in a friendly earlier this year and should top the group. Denmark and Cameroon will offer stern challenges to Takeshi Okada's men.

Group G

Brazil
Korea DPR
Cote d'Ivoire
Portugal

Comments: For me, this is the obligatory 'Group of Death' of the tournament. One serious tournament contender out of Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire, and Portugal, will be eliminated. Korea DPR, despite nostalgia of its historic 1966 World Cup run, will probably be lucky to get a point out of this group. They may spring a surprise if they stick to their well-drilled organisational style which served them well in Asia. Cote d'Ivoire will be ruing being drawn in a very tough group for the second World Cup straight.