France coach Raymond Domenech is thrilled to be facing host nation South Africa in the Group stages at SA2010.
Les Bleus were pitted against Bafana Bafana, Mexico and Uruguay in Group A when the draw was made this evening.
Domenech feels it will be a tough group but is looking forward to the showpiece match against the hosts.
"Meeting the host nation is never a gift in such a test," he said on the France Federation's website, www.fff.fr "That said, to play against South Africa, the first African country to host a World Cup on its continent, is a great sense of pride for everything this match could be worth.
"Then Mexico and Uruguay are two teams who have the capacity to frustrate their opponents. They are technical teams, never easy to play against."
France have met South Africa once before in the World Cup, in 1998 when Les Bleus beat Bafana Bafana 3-0 on their way to lifting the trophy.
Domenech is also pleased that France will kick off their tournament on the very first day.
France take on Uruguay on June 11, before meeting Mexico six days later and the hosts on the 22nd.
Domenech added: "It's good to play from the first day. You're not waiting around, you're not asking yourself questions, you start the challenge quickly.
"This group will be difficult. The three other teams will have the same desire as us to qualify. South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay will pose us problems.
"The aim of all the teams here is to win the World Cup, there are 32 teams who are dreaming of becoming world champions."
The Group of death
Gasps were heard in the audience for the draw for South Africa 2010 when three of the strongest nations - Brazil, Portugal and Cote D'Ivoire - were put together in Group G.
"It's a very interesting group," said Brazil's coach, Dunga. "Against Portugal, with their style of play and their players it will be like Brazil against Brazil.
"The big question mark is with DPR Korea. I will have to take a close look at them. Cote D'Ivoire - they are very strong side."
Cote D'Ivoire coach Vahid Halilhodzic admitted they had been handed the toughest draw on Friday but would "prepare to create an upset".
Spanish coach won't count his chickens
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is taking nothing for granted despite his team arguably receiving the easiest group draw of all.
The reigning European champions and Fifa-ranked number one side are one of the favourites heading into the World Cup, and they will surely be expected to progress out of Group H, where they were drawn against Chile, Honduras and Switzerland.
However, Del Bosque refused to accept it was a comfortable group for his country: "It's not a group to complain about, neither is it one to be euphoric about.
"Honduras are the least known, but they will present their difficulties. Chile have a great team, and Switzerland are doing well.
"They have a coach in (Ottmar) Hitzfeld who has changed the team a lot and he has built a great side.
"We will have to prepare well. They are three teams who have qualified well and we must be cautious."
While Spain's group appears to be a reasonable one, it becomes very tough very quickly for the Iberian nation if they get through Spain know they will have to face a team from Group G, the undoubted 'Group of Death' with Brazil, Portugal Cote D'Ivoire and DPR Korea making up the four teams.
Del Bosque preferred not to look too far ahead though, saying: "On my part it would be irresponsible to think of the last 16.
"First we need to overcome three difficult opponents and focus only on qualifying. They all have their difficulties. This is the first step to gaining confidence."
Cesar unhappy with Rooney
Slovenia defender Bostjan Cesar claims England striker Wayne Rooney deliberately tried to injure him in the friendly between the sides in September and is now out for revenge when they meet at South Africa 2010.
Cesar, who played in England at West Brom before signing for French club Grenoble, was baffled when Rooney appeared to foul him only for the referee to award a penalty to the home side.
Cesar told www.goal.com: "I don't have fond memories of that game. "The whole of Europe knows what Rooney did. He deliberately tried to injure me.
"It's not sportsmanlike. I have a clear conscience, but I doubt it that he has one.
"We will give our all to make the game against us an unpleasant experience for Rooney and his team-mates.
"England are the favourites, but we are confident that we can beat anybody."
Zlatko Zahovic, Slovenia's star at the 2002 World Cup, was similarly dismissive.
Zahovic, who has now retired, told Slovenian TV: "For me England are not one of the favourites. They are a team full of stars and egos. They cannot possibly spend a month and a half together without friction."
Ronaldo looking for strong start
Cristiano Ronaldo insists that Portugal need to hit the ground running at South Africa 2010 after they were handed a place in the tournament's 'Group of Death'.
