Most Viewed Stories
Analysis: Spain, England, U.S. winners in WCup draw
Six months before the World Cup begins in South Africa, Spain already has its first win.
The world’s No. 1 team was drawn into what appears to be one of the easiest groups Friday, and should have a clear path to the knockout round. Five-time champion Brazil, meanwhile, seemed to get the worst of the lot, facing not only reigning player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in Group G, but also the Ivory Coast, the strongest African team.
"It’s going to be tough, man," Brazil striker Luis Fabiano said.
Not as much for Spain, which is looking to win its first World Cup and got a big assist from those pingpong balls designed to look like mini soccer balls. The European champs drew games against Chile, Honduras and fellow European team Switzerland in Group H.
"Let’s not underestimate the three opponents we’re facing. Every one has their difficulty," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "We already knew that we were going to be mentioned as the group favorites, but that’s something you have to prove on the pitch."
Consider, however, that Spain could have drawn 1998 World Cup champion France, the United States or Mexico.
Spain’s bigger challenge will likely come in the second round, where it could face Brazil, Portugal or the Ivory Coast. A potential matchup with defending champion Italy in the quarterfinals looms, too.
"Of all the teams we could have come across we haven’t done too badly," Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas said. "But it’s further along that things get complicated."
Italy, looking to match Brazil with five titles, will face New Zealand, the second-weakest team in the field, Paraguay and Slovakia in Group F. None are ranked higher than 30th in the world.
Not that you’d know of the Azzurri’s good fortune from listening to coach Marcello Lippi.
"Paraguay led qualifying for two years. Slovakia is a team that has improved lately and they feature an important player based in Italy," Lippi said, referring to Napoli’s Marek Hamsik.
"We’re not satisfied nor unhappy," Lippi said. "We’ll prepare, study and get to know our opponents’ characteristics and then we’ll face them."
The French were far more confident.
Les Bleus struggled throughout qualifying, and only got to South Africa courtesy of a goal set up by Thierry Henry’s obvious handball. They were passed over in the seedings, making them vulnerable to be drawn against one of the world’s powerhouses.
Instead they got South Africa, the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup, and Uruguay, which had a controversial goal of its own in its playoff with Costa Rica for the tournament’s last spot. Mexico also is in Group A.
"I’ve heard about two or three groups far more difficult than our pool," Lyon striker Sidney Govou said on RTL radio. "We make no secret of it, we had a favorable draw."
Same goes for England and the United States, which are paired in Group C with little-known Algeria and Slovenia.
"We feel this is a group that gives us a real fair chance to move on," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said.
Hopes were high for the Americans after their surprise quarterfinal run in 2002 but they crashed out in the first round four years ago, scoring a measly two goals — one of which was an own goal by Italy. But the Americans have made big strides since then, scoring the upset of the year with a victory over Spain at the Confederations Cup.
It was only two years ago that England had to stay home for the European championships, a stunning humiliation. But Fabio Capello has done wonders since taking over, and England might just have its strongest team since 1966, when it won its only title.
The English and Americans play on the second day of the tournament in what could be the glamour matchup of the group stage. Though England has a significant edge in friendlies, this is their first World Cup meeting since the 1950 tournament in Brazil — a 1-0 victory by the Americans still considered one of the game’s greatest upsets.
"It’s a big challenge," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "But when it comes to the World Cup and you have a chance to kick it off against a team like England, it gives it a real special start."
The Netherlands, which won all its qualifying games, should cruise through a Group E that also includes Cameroon, Denmark and Japan.
Germany, which lost in the semifinals in 2006 to eventual winner Italy, has a tough draw with Ghana, Serbia and Australia in Group D. But the three-time champions haven’t lost a group game at the World Cup since 1986 and could be playing with added inspiration after the shocking suicide of goalkeeper Robert Enke.
Things don’t look nearly as smooth for Argentina and coach Diego Maradona. Despite having Lionel Messi, Argentina barely made it to South Africa. They’ll face Nigeria, South Korea and Greece in the group stage.
That’s nothing, though, compared to Brazil.
The Brazilians are one of the hottest teams right now, winning 13 of their last 15 games with a star-studded lineup. But they’ll be tested soundly against Portugal and the Ivory Coast.
Portugal, semifinalists in 2006, is a hard team to figure out. It played poorly in the early rounds of qualifying, and had to go through the playoffs to get to South Africa. Still, any lineup that has Ronaldo, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Nani is always dangerous.
Many think Ivory Coast could be the surprise of the World Cup. Didier Drogba is having his finest year yet at Chelsea, tied for the Premier League lead with 11 goals. The Elephants also have Drogba’s Chelsea teammate Salomon Kalou and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure.
"You could almost say the ‘Group of Death,"’ Kaka said.
U.S. players think World Cup draw favorable
NEW YORK — U.S. soccer players were almost giddy Friday after a favorable World Cup draw gave them hope they’ll reach the second round in South Africa next June.
The Americans will play England in their opener, perhaps the most-anticipated first-round match in the 32-nation tournament. After that, the U.S. faces two low-profile teams in Slovenia and Algeria.
"American fans are thinking we should advance out of the group, and I like that. I like how they’re thinking," U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra said. "We feel confident as well that this is a group we can get out of."
After advancing to the quarterfinals in 2002, the best U.S. finish since the initial World Cup in 1930, there were high expectation for the Americans at the 2006 tournament in Germany. But they were eliminated in the first round with losses to the Czech Republic and Ghana around a tie with Italy.
The U.S. famously upset England 1-0 in the first round on the 1950 tournament in Brazil, still considered by many the greatest American soccer victory. The June 12 game in Rustenburg features a matchup that could pit Los Angeles Galaxy teammates David Beckham and Landon Donovan on opposite teams.
While the English are ranked ninth in the world and have stars such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, whose club matches are televised throughout the world, Algeria (28th) and Slovenia (33rd) both needed to win playoffs to reach the tournament and are ranked well behind the U.S. (14th).
"It think it was a very fair group," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "It gives us an opportunity, you know, to play well and to advance."
Odds on the U.S. winning were lowered from 80-1 to 65-1 after the draw, with Spain remaining the favorite at 4-1 followed by five-time champion Brazil at 5-1 along with England.
If the Americans finish second in their group, they likely would play Germany in the second round. If they finish first, they probably would advance to a meeting with Serbia or Ghana.
"For the U.S. it looks to be a positive grouping," said Bruce Arena, who coached the Americans at the previous two World Cups. "But again, let’s not count them through yet."
The U.S. has not done particularly well at soccer’s showcase event. Since returning to the World Cup in 1990 following a 40-year absence, the Americans are 3-12-3 in the tournament, including 1-9-2 against European teams.
"I think it’s one of the more well-balanced groups," England coach Fabio Capello said. "We’re going to have to be careful. All the games are difficult and we may start with the toughest game, since the United States will have a lot more time to prepare for the World Cup."
The U.S. plays Slovenia at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park on June 18 and completes the first round on June 23 against Algeria in Pretoria. The U.S. has never played either nation.
All three games will be at venues where the U.S. played at this year’s Confederations Cup, and all are at altitudes of 3,700 feet or higher. The Americans lost to Italy and Brazil in Pretoria, defeated Egypt in Rustenburg to advance to the semifinals, then took a two-goal halftime lead against Brazil in the final at Ellis Park before losing 3-2.
"This is the best draw we’ve ever had in any World Cup," said former U.S. forward Eric Wynalda, now an analyst for the Fox Soccer Channel. "No disrespect to England, but this is an ideal group for us."
Several U.S. players are well known to England because they play in the Premier League, including goalkeeper Tim Howard (Everton), midfielder Clint Dempsey (Fulham), defenders Jonathan Spector (West Ham) and Jay DeMerit (Watford) and forward Jozy Altidore (Hull). Bocanegra played for Fulham before moving to Rennes in France.
"It will be like a Premier League game," Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said. "The USA is like a team you meet every week."
Watching the draw from Cape Town on television at a Manhattan restaurant, Donovan shrugged his shoulders when South African rugby captain John Smit reached into a clear bowl and picked the white-and-back ball with a blue strip of paper inside containing "USA," putting the Americans in Group C with England. Beckham stood a few feet away on the draw stage.
For Donovan, the tournament is a chance at redemption.
"We’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity," he said. "This is everything to me."
The U.S. is 2-7 against England, winning 2-0 in a 1993 exhibition at Foxborough, Mass. In the most recent matchups, England won 2-1 at Chicago’s Solider Field in 2005 and 2-0 at Wembley last year.
The only official match between the teams was at the 1950 World Cup.
In the other groups, France, Mexico, South Africa and Uruguay were put in Group A; Argentina, Greece, Nigeria and South Korea were put in Group B; Australia, Germany, Ghana and Serbia in Group D; Cameroon, Denmark, Japan and Netherlands in Group E; defending champion Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia in Group F; Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal in Group G; and Chile, Honduras, Spain and Switzerland in Group H.
There are 48 first-round matches, but for now the focus is on one. American defender Jonathan Bornstein was already looking to the 1950 match in Belo Horizonte, won on a goal by Joe Gaetjens, for inspiration.
"Hopefully 60 years later we can have a similar performance," Bornstein said.
-- Ronald Blum
Donovan-Beckham matchup already sparking interest
NEW YORK — Landon Donovan repeated the words, unable to wipe the smile from his face.
"It never ends," he said.
The American midfielder and England star David Beckham may be forever linked by their tumultuous time together with the Los Angeles Galaxy. And just when they seemed to have fully embraced the idea of playing for the same MLS team, Friday’s World Cup draw put the United States against England in their opening match in South Africa next June.
Indeed, their story never seems to end.
"I wish we could have got a shot of his face as that happened," said Donovan, who promised to text Beckham in the start of playful banter sure to consume the next six months. "I’m sure he was thinking the same thing, to play against your own teammate is obviously pretty incredible."
Their conversations haven’t always been playful, though, and Donovan didn’t always smile when he heard Beckham’s name.
Two of the brightest stars on two different continents have had a tenuous relationship ever since Donovan’s comments this year in Grant Wahl’s "The Beckham Experiment."
The highly critical book, in which Donovan ripped the England midfielder’s leadership and effort, chronicled Beckham’s first two seasons with the Galaxy. Donovan eventually apologized for airing his thoughts in public, and the two tamped down the potential locker room division enough to lead the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final this season.
"I’m sure there will be a lot of talking before the tournament starts," Donovan said of the World Cup, where the U.S. and England are joined by Algeria and Slovenia in Group C.
"We talked about seeing each other there and hoping we’re both there. I don’t think it entered our mind that we might be playing each other."
Former national team coach Bruce Arena called it "stupid" to make anything of their first-round matchup. He served as the peacemaker when he coached the Galaxy this season.
"The only story is that they’re teammates, that’s all it is. They’re two guys with the greatest respect for each other," Arena said. "There’s nothing else to discuss."
That didn’t stop current national coach Bob Bradley from weighing in.
"I think that this game will have many different story lines," he said. "The fact that Landon and David are teammates is a very good one."
Teammates who apparently work quite well together when they’re not bickering.
The crisp passing of Beckham and Donovan set up the Galaxy’s first goal in the MLS final two weeks ago, although Donovan — the league’s MVP — became a non-factor until the shootout and Beckham struggled through discomfort from a bone bruise in his right foot.
Beckham later scored in the shootout against Real Salt Lake, but it was Donovan’s miss moments later that made headlines as the Galaxy lost 5-4 on penalty kicks.
"To have David and Landon playing against each other wearing opposite jerseys is just going to be a terrific story and something that I think the entire country will get excited about," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "It will probably be one of the most exciting and anticipated games of the World Cup."
U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said the meeting could help raise the profile of Major League Soccer, which counts Donovan and Beckham as its two biggest stars.
"The league will be under a microscope," he said. "We’ll all be under a microscope because of the English media’s interest, David’s presence in the league, his teammate Landon and so on."
Beckham plans to report on time Dec. 28 to start his second consecutive season on loan to AC Milan, something he initially did to help maintain his fitness for the World Cup. There are rumors Donovan may do the same, although he declined to say for certain.
The career leader in national team appearances, goals and assists, Donovan did say that if he remains in Los Angeles, having Beckham playing for the Italian club would help dim the harsh spotlight surrounding their budding rivalry.
"England’s a very good team and we’ll see how the rest plays out," he said, rocking backward on a stool and slapping his hands on a soccer ball. "In lots of ways it’s a great matchup and it should be exciting. Lots of story lines, that’s for sure."
One that stands out more than any other.
-- Dave Skretta
U.S. World Cup Opponents
A look at the three first-round opponents for the United States at next year’s World Cup in South Africa:
England
Saturday, June 12
At Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenberg
Approximate capacity: 50,000
Elevation: 3,783 feet
FIFA ranking: 9th.
Previous meetings: England 7 wins, U.S. 2. Only competitive match was 1-0 U.S. victory in first round of 1950 World Cup on goal by Joe Gaetjens. In last two meetings, England won 2-1 at Soldier Field in 2005 and 2-0 at Wembley last year.
Coach: Fabio Capello.
Key players: F Wayne Rooney (Manchester United); MF Steven Gerrard (Liverpool); MF Frank Lampard, D Ashley Cole and D John Terry, captain (Chelsea); GK David James (Portsmouth); GK Robert Green (West Ham); MF David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS).
World Cup experience, previous tournament and best finish: 13th appearance. Lost to Portugal 3-1 on penalty kicks after 0-0 tie in 2006 quarterfinals. Beat Germany 4-2 in overtime in 1966 final at Wembley.
World Cup odds: 5-1.
The scoop: Perhaps the most-followed team in the world, given the visibility and popularity of the Premier League. Despite talented players and being soccer’s mother nation, has won just one World Cup title. Goalkeeper a major weakness — James, whose nickname is "Calamity James," competing with Green. Beckham is no longer a regular starter but frequently enters in the second half to provide an offensive boost with crosses and free kicks. After failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championship under coach Steve McClaren, won its first eight games in World Cup qualifying under Capello. Its 2006 World Cup campaign, under coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, became infamous for the notorious WAGS — wives and girlfriends of players. The game will be played in the stadium with the smallest capacity among the 10 being used for the World Cup
Slovenia
Friday, June 18
At Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Approximate capacity: 61,000
Elevation: 5,751 feet
FIFA ranking: 33rd.
Previous meetings: Have never met.
Coach: Matjaz Kek.
Key players: F Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne, Germany), F Zlatko Dedic (Bochum, Germany), MF Robert Koren, captain (West Bromwich Albion, England), GK Samir Handanovic (Mantova, Italy)
World Cup experience, previous tournament and best finish: 2nd appearance. Went 0-3 at 2002 tournament, losing to Spain, South Africa and Paraguay. Prior to 1992, competed as part of Yugoslavia.
World Cup odds: 200-1.
The scoop: Qualified in the European playoffs by defeating Russia in a home-and-home playoff. The teams tied 2-2 on aggregate, but Slovenia advanced because it had an away goal by substitute Nejc Pecnik on a header in the 87th minute in the first leg at Moscow. In the second leg at Maribor, Zlatko Dedic scored with one minute left in the first half, his third goal in qualifying. Prime Minister Borut Pahor said after the match he fulfilled his promise — to clean players’ boots if they qualify. "I didn’t do it thoroughly, but enough for a trip to South Africa," Pahor said. Went 6-2-2 in Europe Group Three, finishing ahead of the Czech Republic, Poland and Northern Ireland. Outscored opponents 20-6 in qualifying. Novakovic had five goals in qualifying. Koren, an attacking midfielder, is captain. Defender Bojan Jokic is a teammate of injured U.S. forward Charlie Davies at Sochaux in France. Lost to England 2-1 in exhibition at Wembley in September, with Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe scoring for the home team and Zlatan Ljubijankic scoring for Slovakia with five minutes left. NK IB Ljubljana is among the clubs European authorities are investigating for possible match fixing.
Algeria
Wednesday, June 23
At Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Approximately capacity: 50,000
Elevation: 4,364 feet
FIFA ranking: 28th.
Previous meetings: Has never met.
Coach: Rabah Saadane.
Key players: D Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth, England), D Madjid Bougherra (Rangers, Scotland), D Antar Yahya (Bochum, Germany); M Yazid Mansouri, captain (Lorient, France), M Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg, Germany); F Karim Matmour (Borussia Moechengladbach, Germany); F Rafik Saifi (Al-Khor).
World Cup experience, previous tournament and best finish: 3rd appearance. Eliminated in the first round in 1986 (0-2-1). Failed to advance in 1982 debut despite going 2-1 with victories over West Germany and Chile. Was eliminated a day after what turned out to be its last match when West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in a game in which neither team attacked after Horst Hrubesch’s 10th-minute goal, a result that allowed both German-speaking nations to advance and sparked speculation of a fix. Since then, FIFA has scheduled final group games to be played simultaneously.
World Cup odds: 300-1.
The scoop: Les Fennecs "The Desert Foxes" had possibly the most difficult route to South Africa. The team bus was pelted with stones two days before its highly charged qualifier with Egypt in Cairo, and two of its players were still wearing bandages on their heads during the game. Egypt won 2-0 to force a one-game playoff at a neutral field four days later, which Algeria won 1-0 on Antar Yahya’s goal from an acute angle in the 39th minute to earn its spot in the World Cup. Fans in Paris flooded the streets to celebrate first World Cup trip in 24 years. Most of national team is based in Europe, with many playing in France. Goalkeeping could be an issue. Lounes Gaouaoui has been the primary ‘keeper, but Fawzi Chaouchi is pushing him. Matmour is a teammate of MF Michael Bradley, son of the U.S. coach. Lost final of 1982 African Cup of Nations 2-0 to Nigeria and won African Cup of Nations in 1990 at home.
South Africa to play Mexico in opener
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Host nation South Africa will face Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, and then play two former world champions, France and Uruguay.
South Africa is ranked 86th in the world and will find a tough opponent in the world's 15th-ranked team on June 11. On the other hand, it will be able to count on strong support in the 87,000-capacity Soccer City stadium.
A huge gasp went up from the 3,000-strong crowd when Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron announced that Mexico would play the opener.
The picking of South Africa's opponent for the opening match was one of the most anticipated moments of the World Cup draw ceremony.
"I don't envy the Mexicans who are going to be subject to 90,000 vuvuzelas," said South Africa defender Matthew Booth, referring to the loud horns that Bafana Bafana fans love to use.
Worse was to come for South Africa when France, ranked seventh in the world, was also put in group A. The French will play the often decisive last group game against the hosts.
"Sometimes no comments speak louder than words," said Theron, the presenter.
France has never lost against South Africa and beat it in the opening game of the 1998 World Cup, which it hosted and won.
"We will be proud to face the host nation," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "We wanted this to fully appreciate the atmosphere of African football."
Some of the opening matches have set World Cups off on the right track.
Four years ago, Germany was considered dour and short on attacking flair. After its 4-2 win over Costa Rica, the host rode its momentum into the semifinals and finally finished third.
In 2002, the opener was one of the biggest shockers when outgoing world champion France was supposed to have an easy ride against Senegal. Bouba Diop decided otherwise, leading the Africans to a perfect start with a 1-0 win. France never recovered and was eliminated in the group stage.
It was not the only time Africa made such a splash in the first game. In Milan in 1990, African football truly came onto the international scene when Oman Biyeck scored for Cameroon to beat defending champion Argentina. Diego Maradona and Argentina did recover from the shock and lost the cup only in the last minutes of the final against Germany.
Argentina had a similar start in 1982 in Spain, when it also was the defending champion. That time, Erwin Vandenbergh scored the only goal for an upset Belgian win.
There have also been some awful duds to kick off the World Cup, as three scoreless openers from 1966 to 1974 illustrate.
As host, South Africa was already sure to play the opener at Soccer City.
-- Raf Casert
Tough WCup group for Brazil, easy for Spain
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Five-time champion Brazil was drawn into the toughest group of the World Cup on Friday, and co-favorite Spain was given an easy ride to the second round.
Brazil has to face two of the teams from the top 16 in FIFA's rankings— Portugal and Ivory Coast. Also in the group is North Korea, an unknown quantity.
"Having a difficult group like this is good because we'll be focused," Brazil coach Dunga said. "They won't be easy games. The group is undoubtedly balanced, but we're confident in our play.
"We'll have to maintain the good play we've had of late — and work even harder. Every time Brazil takes the field, we're expected to win. The pressure will be tough."
European champion Spain, which has never won the World Cup, should easily make it through to the knockout phase, facing lower ranked Switzerland, Honduras and Chile and avoiding the tough opponents in the 32-team draw.
After qualifying via the playoffs thanks in part to Thierry Henry's handball against Ireland, France faces host South Africa with Mexico and Uruguay in Group A and has an easy task to get to the second round.
"I'm not relieved. We have been drawn in the host country's group and it's never easy," said France coach Raymond Domenech, who has come under fire for the team's poor form for two years. "We know how important it is to host in World Cup matches. It will be an away game (against South Africa)."
South Africa will face Mexico in the opening game on June 11 at Soccer City, one of six new or rebuilt stadiums at the tournament. Soccer City will also host the final on July 11.
England was drawn to face the United States, Algeria and Slovenia, which won a playoff to reach the competition, in Group C. England midfielder David Beckham, who took part in Friday's draw, is set to face many of the Americans he regularly plays alongside and against in Major League Soccer in Rustenburg on June 12.
England and the United States have met only once before in the World Cup, with the Americans stunning their star-studded opponents 1-0 in a group game at the 1950 tournament.
"I think it will be not an easy game," England coach Fabio Capello said. "It's good. USA plays good and the Premier League is the best championship in the world. If you are playing in England, you are a really good player. Like basketball, if you are a European playing in the NBA, you are a good player."
Capello said his team would also have to beware of Algeria, which made it to the World Cup for only the third time.
"We have to be careful with Algeria," said the Italian, who has transformed an England side which failed to qualify for last year's European Championship. "I think it will be one of the surprises of the group."
Germany, which has won the title three times, faces a tough group against Australia, Serbia and Ghana, but has not lost a World Cup group game since a 2-0 defeat to Denmark in 1986.
"It's important to win the opening game (against Australia in Durban on June 13) and get the necessary confidence for the next two matches," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "The game against Australia will be very important. We already played them in an opening game, at the Confederations Cup (in 2005), and we won 4-3, with a lot of difficulty.
"I have great respect for Serbia. I have watched some videos of their qualifying games. They advanced easily, left France behind. They are very strong technically. They have very good players and a very good team."
Ghana coach Milan Rajevac rued getting a tough group but was hopeful of advancing.
"It was not a lucky day for Ghana," Rajevac said. "But I think we can reach the second round."
Defending champion Italy, which is chasing its fifth World Cup title, should be confident of reaching the next stage after drawing New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia.
"All the seeded teams can win their groups," said Italy coach Marcello Lippi, who returned to lead the side after guiding it to a fourth World Cup title in Germany in 2006.
But he feared facing European champion Spain in the last eight.
"We could face a very tough opponent in the quarterfinals, if we get there," Lippi said. "Being satisfied doesn't mean we consider it an easy group. You've got to go game by game."
The Netherlands, which won all its qualifying games, faces Japan, Cameroon and Denmark. The Dutch have reached the final twice and should prove strong enough to make it through to the second round.
Argentina, which only just made it after winning its final two qualifying games under coach Diego Maradona, must play Nigeria, South Korea and Greece, the Euro 2004 champion.
That is one of the tough groups and the pressure will be on Maradona, whose team struggled throughout the qualifying rounds, to get the best out of talented players such as Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero.
-- Robert Millward
English delighted with World Cup draw
LONDON — Former England players and coaches were delighted after the team was drawn with the United States, Algeria and Slovenia in Group C at next year's World Cup in South Africa.
"That's as good as we could have expected," former national coach Terry Venables said after England avoided both France and Portugal in the group stage. "You could have hand-picked that and been happy with it."
England will open against the Americans on June 12 in Rustenburg, before facing Algeria in Cape Town on June 18 and Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on June 23.
"I think it's one of the more well-balanced groups," said England coach Fabio Capello, who attended the draw in Cape Town. "We're going to have to be careful. All the games are difficult and we may start with the toughest game, since the United States will have a lot more time to prepare for the World Cup."
Capello said he knew nothing about Algeria, which beat African champion Egypt in a one-match playoff to earn one of the 32 spots at the tournament. Slovenia beat Russia in a two-leg playoff to qualify.
Former England captain Alan Shearer, who played in the 1998 World Cup, said he expected Capello's team to play well in all three of its group matches, and added that the Italian coach would be happy with the schedule.
"Fabio Capello will be sat in his seat in Cape Town, and inside he will be absolutely delighted with that draw," Shearer said. "I don't think anyone can be anything other than delighted with that."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who has United States internationals Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson in his club squad, said the match would be like a Premier League game.
"The USA is like a team you meet every week," Hodgson said. "It's better than meeting North Korea and a style of play you're not used to."
United States goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, who plays in England for Wolverhampton Wanderers, said everyone back home will be looking forward to the opening match.
"It's a great draw for us, and from England's point of view, it could have been a lot worse," Hahnemann said in a radio interview. "How are the U.S. expected to do? Historically we haven't got big-name players but we are used to achieving more than we are expected to."
England won the World Cup in 1966, but hasn't been able to get past the semifinals since last reaching that stage in 1990. They missed the tournament in 1994 — which was hosted by the United States — and then lost to Argentina in the second round in 1998, fell to Brazil in the 2002 quarterfinals and finally were eliminated by Portugal on penalties in the 2006 quarterfinals.
Venables said the match against the Americans would be the most difficult of the three.
"It's a tough game," Venables said. "They will be very well organized and very fit ... They won't give in until the last but we do have a bit more."
-- Chris Lehourites
France happy with World Cup draw
PARIS — France players have welcomed a favourable World Cup draw for their team, which was not seeded but avoided tough opponents for its group stage matches at next year's tournament.
France will face host country South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay in Group A.
France has never lost against Mexico and South Africa, but has won only once in five encounters with Uruguay. France was held to a scoreless draw by the two-time Uruguayan world champions at the World Cup in 2002, when France was ousted in the group phase without scoring a single goal.
France striker Sidney Govou said Friday on RTL radio: "We make no secret of it, we had a favourable draw."
New Zealand happy with World Cup draw
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert welcomed what he sees as a favorable draw for his team in next year's World Cup.
The Kiwis, made 1,000-to-1 longshots by some bookmakers to win the tournament in South Africa, were drawn in Group F beside defending champion Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia, who they will play in their opening match.
Herbert, who played as a defender in the only previous New Zealand team to reach the World Cup in 1982, nervously watched the draw on television at 7 a.m. Saturday local time.
He could not attend the live draw in Cape Town because he also coaches the Wellington Phoenix club side, which played Melbourne on Friday in Australian football's A-League.
"We're pleased," Herbert told Radio Sport. "You always go into it (the draw) a little bit tentative on who you might get. Italy is obviously a huge one but great to get. But the other two we've got to back ourselves (against)."
New Zealand lost to Italy 4-3 in a warmup match ahead of this year's Confederations Cup, giving Herbert some insight into the task ahead of his team.
"Both teams were trying their hand before the Confed Cup but this is the World Cup and they're obviously going to be a tough one for us but a fantastic one to get," he said. "The other two will be tough. That will obviously be the hardest thing for us but we can do our homework now. (They are) two sides that the country hasn't experienced before and I think that's important too. The planning and preparation really needs to start now against them."
Herbert agreed that New Zealand may benefit from being drawn against teams which generally play physical but structured football. He said New Zealand would now try to schedule warmup matches against teams which played similar styles to their Cup opponents.
"Anything that could play into our hands would be a bonus for us," he said. "We're only going to be as good as we are. From a planning point of view and everything that we do around organization now and games leading into the tournament, that process has to get under way immediately to give us the best chance no matter who we play."
Herbert said the draw was another of the emotional high points his team had enjoyed since it sealed its place in South Africa with a 1-0 home win over Bahrain on Nov. 14.
"It's been 27 years since something like this happened so it's been an incredibly passionate time since we qualified," he said. "I wouldn't have been a lot different from many people just waiting for this to come. It's come now and I'm just so proud that we're back in the World Cup.
"Now the dust settles and the program starts to crank up and get under way."
Glamor and gravitas at 2010 World Cup draw
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Nelson Mandela, the global icon of peace who helped secure the first African World Cup, said Friday that he hoped the 2010 tournament would leave long-term benefits to South Africa.
"We feel privileged and humbled that South Africa that has been given the singular honor of being the African host country," Mandela said in a video message to a draw ceremony that mixed glamour and sport with the sights and sounds of Africa.
"We must strive for excellence in our hosting of the World Cup while at the same time ensuring that the event leaves a lasting benefit to all our people."
The 91-year-old Mandela makes few public appearances.
About 3,000 people attended Friday's event at the Cape Town International Convention Center, ending weeks of waiting by fans to find out who their teams will face in the group stage of the World Cup, which starts June 11 and ends July 11.
Sporting heroes such as England midfielder David Beckham mixed with political heroes like Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
South Africa's own Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron who co-hosted the event with FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke added a touch of glamour in a stunning full-length magenta evening dress.
"The World Cup will not only bring the best players in the world. It will also bring recognition to Africa because Africa has waited so long to organize a World Cup," FIFA President Sepp Blatter said at the start of the ceremony.
The 90-minute show kicked off with acclaimed local musician Johnny Clegg known to many as "The White Zulu" who sang his famous "Scatterlings of Africa," to the backdrop of African landmarks such as the pyramids of Egypt.
The show was beamed live to about 200 million television viewers in more than 200 territories. Other entertainment was provided by Beninese diva Angelique Kidjo and the Grammy award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir.
It was set on a colorful stage and included videos of the history of the World Cup as well as a humorous clip which made it look like lions, monkeys and giraffes were playing football.
South Africa was awarded the World Cup in 2004 but the initial euphoria has been dampened by concerns over rising stadium construction costs, building delays, rampant crime and lack of transportation.
President Jacob Zuma said the country was ready to host one of the best World Cups ever.
"We believe the world is going to be surprised," he said during the ceremony." Because this cup that has come to Africa at the end of the tournament will remain here in Africa."
The seaside city of Cape Town on the southern most tip of Africa made an idyllic backdrop to what is widely seen as the kick off the World Cup with its vineyards, white beaches and iconic Table Mountain.
Outside the International Convention Center, guests posed against a mock-up of the flat-topped landmark as a carnival atmosphere prevailed in the city.
Streets were decked with banners and giant footballs while fans gathered in the city center, blowing the plastic trumpets known as vuvuzelas that have become a trademark of South African football.
About 20,000 people attended a free concert in Long Street, a trendy strip of bars and shops, that had been turned into country's first fan park. Fans wore bright football jerseys and yellow hats and waved South African flag. Others watched from the balconies that overlook the street while street performers and fire eaters entertained the crowds.
"The World Cup will bring a spirit of togetherness for every race, because I see every race here," said Namhla Ciliwe, 32.
Hosting the World Cup is widely seen as a coming of age for South Africa and the dramatic embrace of race after the apartheid era was a part of Friday's event.
Among the guests at Friday's event were former president F.W. de Klerk who won the Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela in 1993 for ending white minority rule
Makhaya Ntini, the first black player in South Africa's national cricket team assisted with the draw as did Matthew Booth, the only white player on the national football team during the Confederations Cup.
South Africa is also hoping to use the event to show the progress made since the end of apartheid in 1994. Billions of rands have been poured into the construction of stadium and new roads to overcome infrastructure and transport problems.
The country is also hoping for a tourism boom with some 500,000 tourists expected to descend upon South Africa and spend about $850 million during the monthlong tournament.
"The World Cup will open a lot of doors for people and will give South Africa a good name, that its not just the stereotype of a poor African country," said Anna Springer, 22, an American volunteer enjoying the party at the fan park.
-- Celean Jacobson
SAfrican police nab photographer after bomb threat
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A 68-year-old German photographer was arrested for making a hoax bomb threat outside the venue where the World Cup draw was held Friday, police said.
Senior Superintendent Vish Naidoo said the man was in custody and would appear in the Cape Town magistrate's court on Monday.
Naidoo said the journalist could only be named after he appeared in court. He declined to name the organization the photographer worked for except to say it was an "agency."
The photographer claimed he had an explosive device in his bag, which he dropped and then tried to flee the scene, Naidoo said.
Sniffer dogs and a bomb disposal unit were brought to Cape Town International Convention Center and the main entrance used by journalists was sealed off. People were allowed back into the building after an hour when police said the threat was over.
This was the second arrest for hoax threats after police nabbed a South African man who made two calls saying a bomb had been planted at the airport, where security is tight.
In the earlier incident, Naidoo said police were able to track the hoax caller down "within minutes" to a suburb in Cape Town.
Naidoo said making hoax bomb calls was a "serious criminal offense." The journalist would be charged and could face a jail sentence, he said.
"During these kinds of events we will get these situations, but we have to treat them with all seriousness," he said. "Unfortunately, we have mischief makers who want to disrupt proceedings."
Naidoo said no other incidents had been reported during the event, which drew thousands to watch the draw at a free fan park on Long Street, a strip of trendy bars and shops.
South Africa is attempting to show it can swiftly handle security issues and ensure that the country's high crime rate does not deter fans from attending the 2010 World Cup.
The country has one of the highest crime rates in the world with about 50 murders a day. World Cup organizers say the country has recruited more than 140,000 extra police, with 100,000 more in reserve.
-- Celean Jacobson
