IANS

Cape Town, Dec 5: Hosts South Africa will face a tough battle to emerge from the group phase of the 2010 World Cup after being pitted in one of the toughest of the eight groups.

The Bafana face Mexico in the opening game of the tournament at Soccer City, Johannesburg, on June 11, before having to take on the might of Uruguay and France in Group A.

Holders Italy, on the other hand, will be delighted after being drawn against Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia in Group F.

Like South Africa, five-time winners Brazil also have a tricky task in Group G after being drawn against North Korea, Ivory Coastand Portugal.

Germany won't be happy after being pitted against Australia, Serbia and Ghana in Group D while England will be satisfied with a Group C containing the United States, Algeria and Slovenia.

The Netherlands face Denmark, Japan and Cameroon in Group E while European champions Spain will be confident of progressing from Group H, which also includes Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.

Argentina take on Nigeria, South Korea and Greece in Group B.