EPIC storylines await as the teams were finally drawn into groups after the World Cup draw was completed in Costa do Sauipe in Brazil, Friday.

All 32 teams were drawn into eight groups with only two teams to qualify from each group. The World Cup finals is set to be kicked off on June 12 next year, with the opening match set to be between hosts Brazil and Croatia.

The make-up of the groups has raised many eyebrows. Not least Group G, which consists of Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the United States of America. This is what one would call in the sport ‘the group of death’.

The United States face familiar foes in Germany and Ghana. The US were knocked out at the previous edition in South Africa by Ghana and also lost to them in Germany 2006. The Germans eliminated the US — who is also coached by German legend Jurgen Klinnsman — at the final eight stage in 2002. Portugal — who had to go through play-offs to qualify — with top forward Cristiano Ronaldo, could consider themselves hard done by to be placed in such a group. All four teams have enough quality to make it to the quarter-finals, with two arguably strong enough to be finalists.

Another team that might be considering themselves unlucky is England. They were placed alongside Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D. “It’s a tough group, no doubt about that,” says England manager Roy Hodgson. Italy, winners from 2006, is out to redeem themselves after their woeful showing in South Africa while Uruguay are considered to be dark horses in this tournament.

However, while Uruguay has Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez; Costa Rica has their own trump cards in Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz. With an attack consisting of these two, they are more than capable of punching above their weight.

The rest is made up by Group A, which is headed by hosts, Brazil and are joined by Croatia, CONCACAF representatives Mexico as well as Cameroon.

Group B consists of World champions Spain along with the Netherlands, Chile and Australia.

Group C is inclusive of dark horses Colombia, Greece, the Ivory Coast and Asian kingpins Japan.

Group E are seen as a low-key group with the Swiss, Ecuador, former champions France and Honduras looking to advance.

Group F has Lionel Messi-led Argentina, Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria.

Group H is headed by the impressive Belgians and are accompanied by Algeria, Russia and South Korea.