PIENAAR'S REACTION

Friday 4 December 2009, 18:54
by Scott McLeod @efc_scottmcleod

Steven Pienaar

Steven Pienaar is relishing his World Cup challenge after today's draw for the finals in South Africa.

Everton's midfield man is the key playmaker in the heart of the Bafana Bafana team. As hosts, South Africa were included amongst the eight seeds for the tournament but it did not prevent them securing a tough draw for the 2010 tournament.

They will face Mexico and former World champions Uruguay and France.

Speaking exclusively to evertonTV minutes after the draw, he said: "Its tough but at the end of the day we have to face reality. We have to play these teams so I'm looking forward to it. I think all my teammates will be as well.

"The opening game of the tournament (in Johannesburg on June 11, 2010) is against Mexico and it is going to be an entertaining game. We know they've good players and they play with flair and technique as we do."

The draw may not have been kind on South Africa, but England fans will be happy with the events in Cape Town today.

Fabio Capello's side have been drawn against Tim Howard's USA, Slovenia and Algeria in Group C.

And David Moyes is backing Leighton Baines to be a part of Capello's squad.

The Everton boss said: "Bainesy has been in and around it and has a chance. He has got more competition this year.

“Stephen Warnock’s performances have improved his chances and obviously (Wayne) Bridge and (Ashley) Cole are in front of him, but he had a really steady year last year and has started well for us this time around. Now he just has to keep his form up.”

See more of this exclusive interview with Steven on evertonTV over the weekend.

The full draw is:

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France.

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece.

Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia.

Group D: Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia.

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon.

Group F: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia.

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal.

Group H: Spain, Honduras, Chile, Switzerland.