Denmark is the most difficult team in our group but Senegal could be a surprise. Marcel Desailly, France and Chelsea.I know many people will be disappointed because the final between France and Argentina will not happen, but our route to the final will be difficult so we should concentrate on that. Frank Lebeouf, France and Marseille.The opening match is always difficult to negotiate whether it is with a champion or a beginner. (The Senegal coach) Bruno Metsu has been trained in France so I always fear the worst.

France coach Roger Lemerre.We have the strongest team in Africa and also Ireland, but I think we can do it. Ireland may not be a top name but you have to look at their current form, they have to be regarded as very dangerous opponents Germany coach Rudi V?r.We should beat Saudi Arabia Ireland will be tough but we can manage that. Cameroon with German coach Winfried Sch?er will be very exciting It will be fun. Former Germany and Tottenham striker J?n Klinsmann.Our group is very challenging but competitive. We are going to be challenging very good sides but I don’t see any major hurdles. Prince Esoka Ndoki Mukete, Cameroon Football Federation.I’m satisfied with the group. In theory it’s reasonably easy, but you can’t trust anyone these days Diego Tristan, Spain and Deportivo La Coru?.

Mick McCarthy was optimistic about his side’s prospects in Group E, where the Republic of Ireland have been drawn against Germany, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon in Japan. “I’m delighted with the draw,” the Ireland coach said after the ceremony in Pusan. Asked what his England counterpart, Sven Goran Eriksson, had said to him after the draw, he said: “Something about a swap. I declined the offer.”

Mick McCarthy was optimistic about his side’s prospects in Group E, where the Republic of Ireland have been drawn against Germany, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon in Japan. I declined the offer.”His squad have been designated to Japan, rather than South Korea, for their three Group E matches, and before the draw McCarthy had admitted to a “slight preference” for that, having identified an attractive training base in Izumo.Though he admitted to not knowing a great deal about Cameroon and Saudi Arabia, he promised: “We will get the videos and do our research,” adding that Cameroon could display “absolute brilliance” or turn in shakier performances, but did have surprise value. “They are colourful and they’ll have trickery, but Germany are more organised,” he saidAsked whether he was confident of reaching the last 16, McCarthy said, “Don’t be putting that on me six months before we kick the ball, for goodness’ sake If Holland were here they would be potential winners We knocked them out We’re not a bad side. Don’t put pressure on us too early.” He said he only really realised that Ireland had made the finals when the national flag was carried in during the ceremony.