World Cup draw

Only one story on the agenda this beautiful morning and that is the World Cup draw that took place yesterday. The footballing gods gave England a very nice draw (as they've done in the past) of the USA, Algeria and Slovenia. If we don't get out of that then there will be something seriously seriously wrong and Capello and Terry should literally be killed by a stoning. That's how easy that group is. The Yanks, well it's true that they did very well in the Confed cup last year, they have some useful players like Donovan and Dempsey who will get you a goal, and let's face it, they don't like to lose ANYTHING, but for them to be our biggest worry says it all. We've beat them the last 3 times we've played them I think and I fully expect us to do the same again. Slovenia came through the playoffs with an away goals win against Russia, of which I saw some of the first game where the Russians battered them really. Only a late lapse in concentration gave Slovenia the crucial away goal and they did the rest of the job at home. We've already beat them this season at Wembley and although like all of the east Europeans they have some tidy footballers, this could have been Portugal or France. Nuff said guv. Algeria also came through a playoff (what does it say that 2 of our opponents almost weren't good enough to get in the thing, and the other always gets in because they play Barbados and Costa Rica every week?) after beating Egypt, who would have probably posed a tougher task if you ask me. I don't really know a lot about the north Africans except that Pompey's Belhadj and Yebda are 'Gerians and that Zidane was born there. Should be a walkover really though. And that about does her for group C, we'll all be very happy with that and pretty pleased that it's Germany/Ghana/Australia/Serbia in the next round, could have been much worse.

Group A - Despite how they got there I'm glad that France got in the South Africa group, partly as a half Frenchman, and also because they would have been the seed for that group if it wasn't for the stupid FIFA rule that the host is seeded. Obviously it keeps the excitement levels up the longer the host nation is in the tournament, but look at the facts; they didn't have to qualify, they get the honour of hosting the thing AND they're shit! Why should they get anymore advantages? I expect France to go through in what is a tough group (group of death bronze medal). The hosts will have the crowd with them, Uruguay have some talented players and the Mexicans always do decently at the big tournaments.

Group B - The Argies got a decent draw with Nigeria, Greece and South Korea making up the numbers. They are all teams on a similar sort of level really, Nigeria have done ok at World Cups before, Greece won the Euros but no-one really knows how, and S.Korea made the semis in 2002 with the help of (not so) super Hiddink and some kind refereeing. If Maradona's team somehow got off to a poor start then the man with the hand of God might impode, all over his poor team. They may not be the brilliant team of the past but still have some super players including of course a certain Messi, it's unthinkable that they won't make the knock out stages, is it?

Group D - The second most important group for England fans sees seeds Germany take on Australia, Serbia and Ghana (group of death silver medal). Similarly to group B it's difficult to imagine a knock out round with the Germans because they're so good in big tournaments but again this is far from the best German side we've ever seen. Essie..I mean Ghana are one of the more fancied African teams and will be a tough prospect, the Aussies are the southern hemispheres USA - they don't like losing things and have a couple of decent outlets, and there is some real talent in the Serbians who remember won the France qualification group with ease. This one really is a difficult one to call and it's plausible that Germany stutter, finish second and we end up having to play them in the last 16.

Group E - The Dutch will be pretty happy with Denmark, Cameroon and Japan, but likewise they will all be happy that they got the Dutch. We know Holland can play some great stuff at times but have a tendency to crumble when the going gets tough. Van Persie will be key for them and of course he'll be back from his bad injury to lead the line with the likes of Huntelaar, Robben and Kuyt supporting. The other place is really up for grabs here, you could make a case for all these sides but I have a feeling for Denmark.

Group F - Who did Lippi blow to get that group? Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia make up a weak looking group. Whatever concerns I may have about Italy in the long term, they'll have had plenty of match practice by the time the knock out games come around, to go into stealth 1-0 mode. South American flair will probably be enough to see Paraguay make it through, but in a group of 3 average to poor teams, Slovakia and New Zealand will never have a better chance of being the story of the World Cup.

Group G - I think we were all pretty happy in this part of the world to see Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast drawn together (group of death gold medal). The North Korea (who make up the number) manager must be wondering what he's done to deserve this. Despite the draw Brazil will still be the team to beat for me, they're a more athletic and tactical team that previous ones (for the better) and still have players in there to add the skill and swagger that we have come accustomed to seeing. My feelings on Portugal are pretty clear, despite having one of the best players in the world on their team, I think they have no good strikers, they're filled with shitty 'flair' players and are generally a weak side. I really hope I don't come to regret those words but I expect Cote d'Ivoire to progress with Brazil.

Group H - If Lippi is blowing Sepp Blatter then Del Bosque is giving him the full cock because Spain got Honduras, Chile and Switzerland. Spain will win at a canter (although I don't think they'll win the tournament) and the fact that one of Honduras, Chile or Switzerland will be in the last 16 is just mental. I suppose that will be the reward for the winners of the group of death, but maybe Ireland should ask if they can get that spot?

So all in all a tasty draw, there's 4 tough or a least tricky groups that will be difficult to predict, and 4 very easy ones. There'll be surprises and upsets along the way because this is the World Cup, the greatest show on earth. Can we win it? Yes no doubt I think we can, lets keep everything crossed for the inevitable penalty shootout. Bring on the 11th of June. Take her easy.