World Cup 2010: Disturbing Durban Draw

An unpleasant realization for England and Croatia: these teams will meet each other again in the European zone of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers! Whimsical Lady Luck decided that competing alongside England and Croatia in Group 6 will be Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra. The draw has not amused the English fans, with the wound inflicted by Croatia still fresh, but the trips to Kiev, Minsk and Almaty cannot be pleasant either.

Ukraine, quarterfinalists in the last World Cup, have had a meager Euro qualifying campaign, but cannot be easily dismissed, specially in the early stages of the new qualification cycle. The odd Belarus side proved capable of losing at home to Luxembourg, winless for ages, but also of defeating Holland on the last day of the competition.

Kazakhstan offer more of the same uncertainty: the Asians kicked Serbia out of Euro 2008 by beating them 2-1 last March. They will also naturally want to avenge Englishman's Sacha Baron Cohen's massive insult dealt upon the whole nation through the infamous movie featuring Borat, one of Cohen's alter egos.

In spite of the euphoria reigning because of the historic 3-2 win at Wembley, the Croats are not exactly happy to see England. Coach Slaven Bilic said the draw in Durban has been particularly cruel to his team, although he believes Croatia can hold their own against any of the world's leading teams. "At least it will be nice to play at Wembley again," said the former West Ham and Everton defender.

English players have been trying to regain confidence after last week's devastating defeat that cost them a place in Austria and Switzerland. Michael Owen offered an expert opinion that "no Croatian player could currently make the England team" just days after Portsmouth's coach expressed pretty much the same view. With such awareness of other teams' qualities England may have been lucky to finish third, level on points with Israel. Steve McClaren's successor will be lucky if he can count on a healthy Owen to reinforce the depleted England attack rather than Owen the soccer analyst.

European zone qualifying groups

Nine top teams qualify directly. Eight second-best teams play-off to produce the remaining four WC participants.

Group 1: Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta

The most evenly balanced group with three strong competitors and not a single true minnow.

Group 2: Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg

Not much difference in quality between the top seed, Greece, and the third, Switzerland.

Group 3: Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino

Northern Ireland were the most improved team in the past qualifiers. It is conceivable they may make the life bitter for the Czech Republic and Poland.

Group 4: Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein

Germany will win the group yet again. Russia are better than Finland. Wales may upset someone on a good day.

Group 5: Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia

Spain and Turkey will take the top two spots. Probably in that order, too.

Group 6: Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra

England have the potential to win the direct qualification. Croatia are likely to battle it out with Ukraine for that consolation second spot that leads to the playoffs.

Group 7: France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands

France and Romania are highly fancied, but Serbia plays well against the best.

Group 8: Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro

Lucky, lucky Italy. Unlucky Montenegro. A potentially good national team have to start from the bottom.

Group 9: Holland, Scotland, Norway, Macedonia, Iceland

Holland face a serious challenge from Scotland and Norway. Macedonia and Iceland will molest a favourite or two.