From correspondents in Europe, 12:00 PM IST

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has said there are no easy matches in a World Cup, after missing the draw for South Africa 2010 due to a FIFA ban.

Maradona watched the draw in Buenos Aires with his team, as Argentina ended up in Group B with South Korea, Nigeria and Greece.

'The best teams are in a World Cup. There are no easy rivals,' Maradona said in a statement on the website of the Association of Argentine Football.

Media and fans in the football-crazy South American country generally regard Group B as 'accessible', while national team manager Carlos Bilardo -- who attended the draw ceremony in Cape Town to represent Argentina -- was also happy.

'The draw was good, Diego should be pleased,' Bilardo said.

'We have full confidence in our players. We know that we are in a position to perform to match our history,' Maradona said.

Argentina have won two editions of the World Cup, in 1978 and 1986.

Maradona has been banned by FIFA until Jan 15 due to rude remarks he made to reporters on Oct 14 in Montevideo, after Argentina secured a place in South Africa 2010.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)