World Cup Draw: African Nations Get Strong Groups
Regional, Sports, 12/1/2001

The five countries representing Africa in the 2002 World Cup were grouped in difficult groups

As a result of the draw, operated Saturday in Pusan, Senegal lock horns with 1998 World Cup champions France in the opener in Seoul May 31, 2002.

Tunisia, will play the other host country, Japan, Belgium and Russia.

Nigeria got the most difficult group as it will measure with Argentina, England and Sweden.

South Africa was drawn in Group B together with Spain, Slovenia and Paraguay, while Cameroon will play Germany, Saudi Arabia and Ireland.

According to the schedule, the top two teams in each of the eight groups will reach the second round matches to be played on June 21-30, with the final to be held at International Stadium Yokohama on June 30. The third-place playoff will be played out at Taegu June 29.

The 85-minute extravaganza, based on the concept of world unity through soccer, was opened as children marched into the main hall of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) with the national flags of the 32 countries who will compete next year, the flags of FIFA, the various continental confederations and the Fair Play emblem. It was followed by exceptional Korean and Western artistic performances. The World Cup trophy was passed from current Cup holders France to the co-hosts Korea and Japan as a video presentation of the 20 venues and 32 qualifying teams filled the large screen behind the platform for the draw.

Previous Stories:
  Athletics: El-Guerrouj's Choice as Athlete of the Year, an honor for Africa (IAAF chief)   (11/27/2001)
  First international unity rally roams across Morocco october 28-november 5   (10/30/2001)
  Football: South Africa candidate to host Africa Nations Cup in 2006   (10/4/2001)

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