"The battle for second should be tough, with Turkey, Romania and Hungary all involved. Taking into account our recent results, I think we’ve got a chance." Hungary coach Sandor Egervari
Favourites in a group featuring “four genuine football nations” according to coach Bert van Marwijk, the Netherlands cannot expect to have everything their own way.
The draw for the European zone yielded some potentially thrilling sections, with local rivalries set to be stirred and the world champions left to do battle with another winner of football's ultimate prize.
The 1954 FIFA World Cup featured the infamous "Battle of Berne" between Brazil and Hungary: a match is well-known for its violent conduct.
Denmark's unbeaten run in South Africa 2010 qualifying came to an end in Copenhagen at the hands of Hungary and Akos Buzsaky.
Switzerland and Slovakia seized Europe's last two automatic berths in South Africa, while Portugal, Greece, Slovenia and Ukraine made the play-offs.
