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Rory Fallon and the New Zealand All Whites celebrate reaching the 2010 Fifa World Cup - Source: Photosport -
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The New Zealand All Whites have drawn reigning World Cup champions Italy in the 2010 World Cup draw held in South Africa.
Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia make-up Group F.
France, the 1998 champions and 2006 runners-up, were drawn in the same group as hosts South Africa, who will meet Mexico in the opening match at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg on June 11 in the 32-nation tournament which finishes with the final on July 11 in the same stadium.
Former World Cup winners Uruguay are the fourth member of Group A.
The toughest looking section features five times winners Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea in Group G.
The full draw is:
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia Ghana
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Add a Comment:
Post new commentkiwi kylie said on 2009-12-10 @ 21:56 NZDT: Report abusive post
i am a kiwi living in germany, and have been plesantly surprised about the respect people have about the all whites, and the comments about the great draw we have as it may give us a chance to gain some points! good luck boys!!!
statto said on 2009-12-05 @ 14:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
While Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast have it tough, I think Germany's Group D will be the tightest, as all 4 nations will harbour realistic aspirations of progressing.
radar832004 said on 2009-12-05 @ 09:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
The underdog Australians nearly upset italy in the last world cup they needed a dodgy penalty to get through the knockout stages there is a good chance for points
gmuir said on 2009-12-05 @ 08:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
i think it's got to be one of the best draws we could have hoped for; Paraguay and Slovakia are both really good but we could get an upset against either of them on a good day. And playing against Italy will be a career highlight for all the players. Go the All Whites!
bobandperry said on 2009-12-05 @ 08:10 NZDT: Report abusive post
The draw was great to watch. What was annoying was the British commentary over the top of the draw itself, especially as Jerome Valcke seemed very knowledgable and personable and someone worth listening to. Annoying!