World Cup draw soundbites: The best of the reaction

We take a look at reaction from various figures to Friday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup draw.

A group-stage reunion between Spain and the Netherlands – the 2010 finalists – emerged as arguably the main talking point in Costa do Sauipe.

Vicente del Bosque’s men will head to Brazil next year as reigning champions after triumphing 1-0 in Johannesburg thanks to Andres Iniesta’s injury-time winner.

As well as facing the Netherlands again, Spain can also look forward to games against Chile and Australia in what many observers have dubbed the dreaded ‘Group of Death’.

That claim is disputed by Del Bosque, who believes his side’s draw is difficult but not the worst.

The list below contains quotes from Spain’s coach and several others with one eye on 2014:

“It’s just a draw. We can’t say it’s easy. We have to define it as complicated but I don’t believe this is the group of the death. There are others very hard. But our group is difficult.”

Spain boss Del Bosque reviews Group B.

“Jurgen and I have had a very good and close relationship for a long time. We have always exchanged ideas on a regular basis, but that will certainly change before the World Cup match.”

Germany manager Joachim Low on the intriguing Group G encounter with the United States, coached by his predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann, who Low formerly assisted.

“I am satisfied with the draw. But we shall be paying close attention to the opening phase. I am not concerned with the second phase.”

Luiz Felipe Scolari – head coach of hosts Brazil – refuses to look beyond the group stages.

“We keep playing Argentina at the World Cup! We’ll see how it goes this time.”

Nigeria boss Stephen Keshi looks forward to another meeting with Argentina, as the sides are drawn in the same group for the fourth time.

“We don’t have to be angry because of the draw; we’re at the World Cup and must be happy.”

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli remains upbeat after his side are drawn with Uruguay, England and Costa Rica in Group D.

“It’s important that we start well. Ivory Coast players will be familiar with the hot weather; we have to adapt.”

Alberto Zaccheroni is aware his Japan team will have to prepare for a different climate when they face Ivory Coast in their Group C opener.

“I think Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon are level. One of those teams will accompany Brazil.”

Cameroon coach Volker Finke believes Group A is wide open.

“I leave with good taste in my mouth, with one exception: I didn’t want to face Ecuador.”

Honduras coach Luis Suarez wanted to avoid former team Ecuador.

“I was the coach of Honduras in 2010 and now destiny makes me face them with Ecuador. That’s football, and that’s life!”

And in a remarkable twist of fate Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda also faces his former side.

“There is no easy group because in football everything can happen in 90 minutes. But again, you have to play and you never know what can happen.’

FIFA secretary general, Jerome Valcke, offers his assessment after helping to conduct the draw.

“Hey, Cristiano (Ronaldo), Pepe and (Fabio) Coentrao: I am happy to see you in Brazil.”

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil takes to Twitter, and looks forward to a reunion with former Real Madrid team-mates when Germany meet Portugal.

“Tough group…but so what? If we want to win it we will have to play the best teams anyway!!”

Ozil’s fellow Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere also offers his opinion on the social media site after England receive a tough draw.

“Buzzing about our draw! Opening game at the Maracana! Looking forward to it big time. Let’s do it!”

Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic announces his joy on Twitter, as his Bosnia and Herzegovina side get set for their World Cup debut against Argentina in Group F.