The 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ moved a tantalising step closer to reality after the intrigue and excitement of the Final Draw at the Messe in Leipzig tonight.

The draw produced some mouthwatering match-ups, not least in Group C where African newcomers Côte d'Ivoire will play two-times winners Argentina, Netherlands, and Serbia and Montenegro in the toughest-looking section. Italy, Ghana, United States and the Czech Republic also present a formidable lineup in Group E.

Holders Brazil are in Group F with Croatia, Australia and Japan, meaning former Brazilian hero Zico will tackle the Seleção. Hosts Germany will take on Poland, Ecuador and Costa Rica in Group A. The Germans' meeting with Costa Rica will open the tournament on 9 June.

Elsewhere, the 1998 winners France will open their campaign against neighbours Switzerland, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will face his home country Sweden for the second FIFA World Cup running, and Portugal will face old friends in debutants Angola.

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

Group C
Argentina
Côte d'Ivoire
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

Group E
Italy
Ghana
United States
Czech Republic

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

---

What do you think about the chances of your teams?  Do you like your group?