FIFA World Cup
It was a draw which had everything and the Asian teams were understandably excited as they began to lay plans for their respective sides.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Winners UEFA Playoff D
“There is no one that we can consider an easy team. Back then and even today, Mexico are a great team. Compared to the past, though, we have more experienced players. Mexico have home advantage but we will prepare for that match the best we can.
We have to play the first two matches at a high altitude, about 1,600 metres above sea level, and the third match will be in a hot and humid place. It will take at least 10 days or as long as two weeks to adapt to such a high altitude. We will probably have to get there as soon as our squad is assembled.
It's a bit unfortunate we will have less time to train, but everyone in our group will be in the same boat. We will have extra rest after the first match. And we will have to approach every game like it's war.”
Hong Myung-bo
Korea Republic head coach
Group B: Canada, Winners UEFA Playoff A, Qatar, Switzerland
"The World Cup is the biggest tournament in the world of football, and the presence of our national team in it is an important strategic goal that has been achieved.
Everyone is a partner in supporting the national team, and we invite national companies to play a role in this global event."
H.E. Jassim Rashid Al Buenain
Qatar Football Association President
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Winners UEFA Playoff C
“I know so many Australians will be booking their tickets now that we know who we’re playing. We have wonderful support, and I’m sure every Australian will be behind us.
We think we’ve come a long way. We’ve qualified automatically, which we haven’t done in a long time.
We feel we’ve given a lot of young players an opportunity in the last few friendly matches, which helps with the depth of our squad and now the final preparations begin.”
Tony Popovic
Australia head coach
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand
"In general, all the teams are very close to each other. Compared to the other groups, our condition is better. We will play four friendly matches (ahead of the World Cup) to be ready for the challenge.”
Amir Ghalenoei
IR Iran head coach
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winners UEFA Playoff B, Tunisia
“Every team in our group is strong, and the team that comes through the playoffs will also be a very tough opponent, so I expect it to be a challenging competition. Still, I’m really looking forward to every match. One of our main strengths is our organisation, and I think that has grown significantly.
“I felt we were drawn in an extremely tough group. The Netherlands are one of the world's top nations – they haven't won one yet, but have been to the final. Tunisia had nine wins and a draw in the qualifiers without conceding, very solid and astute. I want our players to make their presence felt in daily activities at their clubs to win the fierce battle for the World Cup squad.”
Hajime Moriyasu
Japan head coach
Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
“This is the seventh time Saudi Arabia will participate in a World Cup. Only once have they made it past the first round. So that's the goal.
We absolutely must aim for the Round of 32 first. If we achieve that, it will already be a successful World Cup for us.
The World Cup is a magical event. It's a passion for all peoples. It's a huge tournament with fantastic organisation. So we can't wait to be there."
Herve Renard
Saudi Arabia head coach
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
"This is the start of a new phase for Jordan, to be present more often at the World Cup. It is a chance for Jordan to show its football talent to the world, to help the players gain experience and open doors for young players to play professionally outside the Jordanian league."
Jamal Sellami
Jordan head coach
Group K: Portugal, Winners Playoff 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
"It's a really tough group because we face Portugal. It will be very tough for us, but I say to my players, being in a World Cup is a privilege. We need to enjoy the World Cup and the games and we will see what happens. Most of my players play in the Middle East, Turkey and the [Uzbekistan] league. Our league is not very intensive so we need to improve these kinds of things. It will be difficult to push the players during the season but we are going to a World Cup and everyone will be really fit.”
Fabio Cannavaro
Uzbekistan head coach
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
