Soccer: All Whites need luck of the draw in SA

The World Cup draw will be announced in Cape Town next month. Photo / Getty Images

The All Whites will be hoping for a slice of luck when the draw for the 2010 World Cup is announced next month.

The draw takes place in Cape Town on December 5 (NZT) and while FIFA are yet to clarify the seeding procedure until all 32 nations are confirmed, the best case scenario for New Zealand would be getting placed with lowly-ranked South Africa who, as the host nation, automatically qualify as one of the eight seeded teams.

While a match against the hosts would be no easy feat, the All Whites would fancy their chances of at least stealing a point against them, rather than the daunting task of facing Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina or England, who currently occupy the top seven spots in the FIFA rankings.

In previous World Cups, each of the eight seeds were drawn to separate groups (the seeds were calculated using a formula based on both the FIFA World Rankings and performances in recent World Cups). The other teams were assigned to different pots, usually based geographical criteria, and teams in each pot were drawn at random to the eight groups.

The All Whites, minus skipper Ryan Nelsen and striker Rory Fallon, lost 2-0 to South Africa at the Confederations Cup in June but are currently ranked two spots ahead of Bafana Bafana in the World Rankings.

South Africa have also been in turmoil in recent times with coach Joel Santana stepping down last month after losing eight of his last nine matches in charge. After resigning last year to be with his ill wife, fellow Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira has since returned to lead them into the World Cup.

Out of the 24 teams to have qualified thus far, only South Africa and North Korea are ranked below New Zealand.

HOW IT WORKS

32 teams

Hosted in South Africa at 10 venues in June and July next year

All Whites guaranteed three games in the group stages

Eight groups of four in the first round, then a second round, quarters, semis and the final

- NZ HERALD STAFF