From correspondents in Africa, 08:03 PM IST

Former World Footballer Luis Figo expressed his hope that Portugal draw the host nation South Africa for the 2010 World Cup later Friday.

The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan player said that all opponents are likely to be tough at the draw ceremony at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

'But of the seeded teams, I am hoping that we will get South Africa. That would be a very interesting match. The rest of the opponents do not matter that much, they are all difficult,' Figo said.

Figo, who has 127 caps for Portugal, was in South Africa as a guest of the joint Spanish/Portugal bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

He said that Portugal could do well next year even though it required a playoff tie to make it to the finals.

'Now that we are here, anything can happen,' Figo said.

Portugal finished third at the 1966 World Cup and came fourth in 2006.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)