02 December,2017 03:14 PM IST | | AFP
2010 winners clubbed with Ronaldo’s European champions at 2018 WC draw
Former Argentina midfielder Diego Maradona (right) draws a group position as ex-USSR forward and coach Nikita Simonyan looks on during the official draw of 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow, Russia yesterday. The mega event will be held in June-July next year
The 2010 World Cup winners Spain were placed in the same group as Cristiano Ronaldo-s European champions Portugal in an exciting draw for the 2018 tournament in Russia yesterday. Neymar-s Brazil meanwhile will have to negotiate a group including Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia as they seek a sixth title.
Former Argentina midfielder Diego Maradona right draws a group position as ex-USSR forward and coach Nikita Simonyan looks on during the official draw of 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow, Russia yesterday. The mega event will be held in June-July next year. Pic/Getty Images
Holders Germany will face Mexico, Sweden and South Korea as they try to retain the title for the first time since Brazil in 1962. Lionel Messi and his Argentina team which struggled to qualify will play European debutants Iceland as well as a talented Croatia team and Nigeria.
In a star-studded ceremony in the Kremlin, England were placed with Kevin de Bruyne-s Belgium, surprise packages Panama and Tunisia. Host nation Russia will face Saudi Arabia in the tournament-opening match on June 14 in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
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