World News

World Cup matchups decided in Cape Town

Five-time World Cup winner Brazil was stung by a tough draw for the 2010 World Cup on Dec. 4 in Cape Town, South Africa, while co-favorite Spain was given an easy ride through to the second round.

Brazil must face two of the teams from the top 16 in FIFA's rankings -- Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire. Also in the group is North Korea. Spain will face Switzerland, Honduras and Chile. The full draw for the June 11-July 11 tournament is as follows:

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay and France

Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria and South Korea

Group C: England, United States, Algeria and Slovenia

Group D: Germany, Australia, Ghana and Serbia

Group E: Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon and Denmark

Group F: Italy (holders), New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Cote d'Ivoire and Portugal

Group H: Spain, Honduras, Chile and Switzerland. (AP)

Shukan ST: December 18, 2009

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