The glitz and glamour of the World Cup draw in Cape Town turned into something of a horror show for hosts South Africa.
Despite being seeded, South Africa were pooled in Group A alongside France, beaten finalists in 2006, and Uruguay as well as Mexico - their opponents for the tournament opener at Soccer City in Johannesburg on June 11.
No host nation has ever failed to progress beyond the first round, but Carlos Alberto Parreira, Bafana Bafana's Brazilian coach, believes his side have been handed just about the toughest draw possible.
He said: "Amongst these groups, I would say that ours is one of the most balanced and most difficult.
"It's the only one that has two former champions, France and Uruguay, plus Mexico, who are always qualifying and have lots of World Cup experience.
"But we do not have to regret anything, this is what we have to face and it presents us with a challenge. We have to prepare ourselves in a very good way."
If there is a 'Group of Death', however, then it is Group G rather than A, where Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast have to battle it out and North Korea's campaign looks as good as over before a ball has been kicked.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believes the opening match against an Ivory Coast side that should number stars such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure will make the difference.
Queiroz said: "Portugal starts against the Ivory Coast and in such a close test there is no room for error. The first match will be decisive."
Group D also looks daunting with Germany up against Serbia, Australia and Ghana, currently the in-form team in Africa.
Reigning champions Italy are in Group F with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia - and rivalling England for the easiest-looking task in the first phase.
It is Spain however who have been installed as the bookies' favourites ahead of England - Brazil have dropped to third - and should comfortably qualify for the knock-out stages against Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in Group H.
In past tournaments Argentina may have been confident to get past Nigeria, South Korea and Greece in Group B, but their trials and tribulations under the management of Diego Maradona makes that no longer a dead cert.
Holland are favourites to win Group E, but there should be an interesting tussle between Cameroon, Denmark and Japan for the second spot.
No host nation has ever failed to progress beyond the first round, but Carlos Alberto Parreira, Bafana Bafana's Brazilian coach, believes his side have been handed just about the toughest draw possible.
He said: "Amongst these groups, I would say that ours is one of the most balanced and most difficult.
"It's the only one that has two former champions, France and Uruguay, plus Mexico, who are always qualifying and have lots of World Cup experience.
"But we do not have to regret anything, this is what we have to face and it presents us with a challenge. We have to prepare ourselves in a very good way."
If there is a 'Group of Death', however, then it is Group G rather than A, where Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast have to battle it out and North Korea's campaign looks as good as over before a ball has been kicked.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believes the opening match against an Ivory Coast side that should number stars such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure will make the difference.
Queiroz said: "Portugal starts against the Ivory Coast and in such a close test there is no room for error. The first match will be decisive."
Group D also looks daunting with Germany up against Serbia, Australia and Ghana, currently the in-form team in Africa.
Reigning champions Italy are in Group F with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia - and rivalling England for the easiest-looking task in the first phase.
It is Spain however who have been installed as the bookies' favourites ahead of England - Brazil have dropped to third - and should comfortably qualify for the knock-out stages against Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in Group H.
In past tournaments Argentina may have been confident to get past Nigeria, South Korea and Greece in Group B, but their trials and tribulations under the management of Diego Maradona makes that no longer a dead cert.
Holland are favourites to win Group E, but there should be an interesting tussle between Cameroon, Denmark and Japan for the second spot.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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