(REUTERS) – The favourites to win next year’s World Cup in Russia were given navigable paths to the last 16 with the coaches of Germany, Brazil, Argentina and Spain having reasons to feel reasonably optimistic after yesterday’s draw.

Soccer Football 2018 FIFA World Cup Draw, State Kremlin Palace, Moscow, Russia, December 1, 2017:The nations’ coaches pose for a photo after the draw
Even hosts Russia, the lowest-ranked of the 32 nations taking part, breathed a sigh of relief after learning they will open the 21st edition of the tournament against Saudi Arabia before tackling Egypt and Uruguay in Group A.

Holders Germany will open their bid for a fifth title against dark horses Mexico, with Sweden, conquerors of Italy in last month’s playoffs, and South Korea also in Group F.
Ever-present five-time champions Brazil have Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia for company in Group E while Argentina face an intriguing opener against debutants Iceland in Group D.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina, beaten by Germany in the last World Cup final and still awaiting their first title since 1986, will face Croatia and Nigeria as well as Iceland.
While there was no obvious ‘Group of Death’, France were handed some tricky fixtures with 10th-ranked Peru, back after a 36-year absence, Denmark and Australia in Group C.
The standout group match will be European champions Portugal against 2010 world champions Spain, although with Morocco and Iran also in Group B they both should progress.

England, who have made next to no impression at the last two World Cups, will face fifth-ranked Belgium in Group G after they have played Tunisia and first-time qualifiers Panama.
Diego Maradona, whose infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal for Argentina helped eliminate England in 1986, the last time the South American side won the trophy, drew England’s ball out of the bowl in a draw ceremony featuring several former greats.