NEWS

In their fourth straight appearance in the world’s most prestigious single-sports even, Japan will play the Netherlands, Cameroon and Denmark in Group E in next year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa, it was determined at the draw in Cape Town on Friday.

Japan will play Cameroon in Bloemfontein on June 14, the Netherlands in Durban on June 19 and Denmark in Rustenburg on June 24.
Japan, who were drawn from Pot 2 along with their fellow Asian qualifiers as well as teams from CONCACAF and Oceania, will face two strong European teams and six-time World Cup participants Cameroon, one of the strongest teams in Africa.
In the show prior to the draw, there was a message from former South Africa President Nelson Mandela, before moving on to the handing-over ceremony of the World Cup trophy, videos to introduce the 32 participating teams and a look back at World Cup history. There was also a presentation on the nature of Africa, as well as performances of music, songs and dancing by African artists.
Actress Charlize Theron appeared as a guest presenter in a reddish-pink dress, saying, “What a night! What a night! I’m so proud to be back home.” The Hollywood star added: “And I’m going to be here next year and you’re going to be here, too.”
A film of a football game played by various animals such as elephants, tigers, even a turtle, and a singing performance by Grammy Award-winning Gospel choir Soweto were well received by members of the world’s soccer family gathered at the International Convention Center.
The draw also featured the likes of England international David Beckham, South Africa international Mathew Booth and two-time Olympic gold medalist Haile Gebreselassie.
The 19th World Cup, the first to be held in Africa, will be staged from June 11 to July 11 at 10 cities across the nation.
The opening game will be between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

Groups:
Group A—South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B—Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, 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, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H—Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile