** Jose Pekerman (Colombia): “We are playing a European, an African and an Asian team and I believe it will be a very even and attractive group for the styles. I trust the potential we have, but the people of Colombia have to understand that a World Cup is something different. Hopefully we will do well. The guys did a great job in qualifying but now that’s history.”

Fernando Santos (Greece): “It might not look like it but this is one of the most dificult groups of the World Cup, because there are four teams with good chances to qualify. Colombia are very strong in the attack, Ivory Coast are an experienced side with great players like Drogba and Gervinho and Japan want to surprise on the world stage. But Greece have every chance of reaching the round of 16.”

Sabri Lamouchi (Ivory Coast): “One thing I do know: this is not as tough a group as the ones we faced in the first round either in 2006 or in 2010.”

Alberto Zaccheroni (Japan): “For me this group is fine although it could have been better because I think we are playing the best of the Africans but it could have been worse. We must be good about planning for the different climatic conditions, going to play in a city which is very hot, but we have the experience of the Confederation Cup.”

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