World Cup draw sets up duels between European club mates

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-12-05 09:27

CAPE TOWN - Friday's World Cup draw set the stage for several spicy duels between players at the same European clubs.

World Cup draw sets up duels between European club mates

South Africa women's soccer player Simphiwe Dlulu, England soccer player David Beckham, South African actress Charlize Theron (L- 3rd R) and South Africa rugby player John Smit (R) watch as FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke (2nd R) announces the countries drawn into Group A for the 2010 World Cup, in Cape Town December 4, 2009. The month-long soccer tournament begins on June 11 next year in South Africa. [Agencies]

One of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns is between soccer's most expensive signings, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Kaka of Brazil who play for Real Madrid and were drawn to face each other in Group G.

"It will be interesting to see the rivalry between Kaka and Ronaldo. Both are players at the same club and both are constantly competing for individual awards," said Brazil coach Dunga.

Ivory Coast, who are expected to do well, are also in Group G and their talismanic striker Didier Drogba could come up against Chelsea team mates Ricardo Carvalho, Deco and Paulo Ferreira of Portugal.

Midfielder David Beckham is also in line to face Los Angeles Galaxy colleague Landon Donovan when England take on United States in Group C.

Earlier this year Donovan criticised Beckham in a book, saying he was not a good team mate and questioning his commitment to the Galaxy.

The former England captain hit back by calling Donovan "unprofessional" for airing his feelings in the media.

HATCHET BURIED

Since then the pair have buried the hatchet and led the Galaxy to the Major League Soccer final where they were beaten by Real Salt Lake on penalties.

"We've moved past the things we had problems with. Now it will just be fun," said Donovan who has won more than 100 caps for United States.

"There will be some trash talking when I see him."

In Group H, Spain meet Switzerland in their first match in Durban, setting up a showdown between Arsenal team mates Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos.

Two other Arsenal players, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie, are also likely to lock horns after Denmark and Netherlands were drawn together in Group E.

Dutch striker Van Persie, though, faces a race against time to recover from an ankle injury.