World Cup Group E: ‘France couldn't have picked it better'

Goal’s experts offer their reactions to the World Cup draw in Group E where Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras, and France were pooled together

'HITZFELD WAS RIGHT TO FEEL LUCKY'

By Joe Wright Ottmar Hitzfeld spoke of the huge advantage of his side being among the top seeds prior to the draw, and Switzerland can indeed count themselves lucky with the result. While France will be touted as favourites to win the group, Switzerland will no doubt fancy their chances of securing at least a draw against their inconsistent European neighbours. Ecuador's attacking prowess could cause some problems and Honduras will be an unknown entity for them, but the Nati will consider themselves more than capable of wins from both games.

'SUAREZ'S ECUADOR KNOWLEDGE COULD BE COSTLY'

By Jhonkarlos Guinan Ecuador weren't too lucky in the draw as they will face two European teams in the group stage, even though Switzerland are a surprising seed and not the worst side to face from Pot 1. France scraped their way to the finals but, with the likes of Franck Ribery in their ranks, nobody can underestimate their potential. It's the second consecutive World Cup for Honduras and although on paper they look like the easiest rival in Group E, they have Luis Fernando Suarez as coach - someone who will no doubt put his knowledge of coaching Ecuador to good use.

'HONDURAS ARE IN LINE TO MAKE HISTORY'

By Roberto Navarro Luck appears to have taken kindly to Honduras. Despite facing two European nations in the group stage, it is fair to think they are two of the least frightening nations to have qualified to Brazil 2014. Traditionally, France are a team that compete for the top spots - but the 1998 champions are a shadow of their former selves. Switzerland, meanwhile, are arguably the easiest of the eight seeded teams in the draw. It isn't by any means a stretch to think that Honduras can reach their first round of 16, but coach Luis Fernando Suarez must prepare this team for anything in order to achieve that historic goal.

'FRANCE COULDN'T HAVE PICKED IT BETTER'

By Robin Bairner

After muddling their way through the qualifier, France could barely have hand picked a better draw for Brazil. Switzerland as top seeds in their group is extremely generous and the other opponents are not nearly as dangerous as Didier Deschamps might have feared.

France must fancy their chances of winning this group and therefore getting an easier draw in the last 16. Already Deschamps must be secretly believing that a place in the quarter-finals is possible.

Nevertheless, France don't typically thrive under a weight of expectation, and that is exactly what there will be after this draw.