From correspondents in Africa, 12:04 AM IST

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino was confident after the World Cup draw landed his team in Group F, with Italy, New Zealand and Slovakia.

'I do not think this is an easy group, but it could be accessible,' the Argentine-born Martino said Friday in Cape Town.

Martino said his men should 'prepare themselves very well,' but said Paraguay has 'several of the world's best footballers.'

'If we want to be successful, the most important thing will probably be to get a good result against Italy. And I do not think New Zealand is an easy rival, all rivals are going to pose problems for us,' Martino stressed.

'It will be a great experience for all our young players.'

In Asuncion, former Paraguay keeper Jose Luis Chilavert agreed with the coach. 'I think it is quite a good group and I have confidence in the national team,' he said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)