The draw for the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is complete. Here's what our writers around the world made of events in Moscow.
Germany
Joachim Low was at his most relaxed before the draw and the Bundestrainer won't feel too nervous after learning the composition of the group stage either. The world champions avoided an African team -- they have struggled against Ghana and Algeria in recent times -- and don't come up against any recognised heavyweights. The only possible negative is the fact that the first game will be against Mexico, the trickiest opponents of the group. With one game each in Moscow and Sochi, Germany will play once "at home." They had earmarked base camps in either city, with the final decision to be made after the draw. -- Raf Honigstein
England
Gareth Southgate will not admit it publicly but England have landed a dream draw in Group G. Having avoided the super-power seeds of Brazil, Germany and Argentina, Belgium can be beaten and top spot can be secured. Tunisia and Panama will not make life easy but those are two countries England will expect to defeat. And to cap it all, the travelling involved is reasonably straightforward, so England and Southgate have had a result. -- Mark Ogden
Winners: Germany
Mexico
The draw couldn't have been much more difficult, with the opener against holders Germany, followed by games against Korea Republic and Sweden. El Tri was defeated 4-1 in last summer's Confederations Cup by a Germany B team that exposed defensive vulnerabilities, while Sweden showed what a tough unit it can be against Italy in the playoffs. They were also the second-tallest team in qualifying and their style is the type Mexico would've wanted to avoid. On the positive side, Mexico opens in Moscow, where the team is hoping to secure its base for the tournament. But there will be very little margin for error in Group F and, in the Round of 16, Brazil could await. -- Tom Marshall
The full draw for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia The full draw for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia
Winners: Spain
Africa
There were mixed fortunes for Africa's five representatives in Friday's World Cup draw. Morocco were pitched alongside reigning European champions Portugal, 2010 World Cup winners Spain, and Iran. While Herve Renard will relish the spotlight during two heavyweight clashes, his reputation as a savvy, tactical astute coach for the big occasion will be tested...as will Morocco's watertight defence.
Nigeria will meet Argentina yet again and will be boosted by a recent 4-2, come-from-behind victory over the South American giants, but also face Croatia and Iceland. Elsewhere, Senegal and Egypt look decent bets to reach the knockout stages after being handed decent draws, but Tunisia, arguably Africa's weakest side, find themselves in Group G against England, Belgium and Panama.
Winners: Brazil
Asia
There were some tough draws for AFC teams (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and Australia) on Friday but there is hope for all. The continent's number one hope, Iran, had been the only AFC representative in Pot 3 but were rewarded with Portugal and Spain. An opening game against Morocco is a must-win. South Korea also have a tough group and will likely be fighting for second place behind Germany along with Mexico and Sweden. Korea at their best can match both but haven't been at their best for some time.
Saudi Arabia open the tournament against hosts Russia. If ever there is a time to make a statement, it is in Moscow as the two lowest-ranked teams meet. Uruguay will be tricky but Egypt are beatable. It won't be easy but is about as good as the Green Falcons could have hoped for. It could have been worse for Japan against Colombia, Senegal and Poland while Australia, even without a coach at present, will be happy with France, Peru and Denmark. -- John Duerden
Winners: France
Australia
Having endured horror draws in the past, Australian fans will feel relatively comfortable with what's in store for their fourth consecutive World Cup. The greatest challenge will be first up for the Socceroos vs. France in Kazan, which is near to the team's base for the tournament, where an unlikely point would be an excellent result. Matches follow against Denmark and Peru, both of whom will be tricky opponents, but Australia will feel victories are achievable. Now that their opponents are known, however, the uncertainty exists within Australia's own camp, as they must appoint a new head coach after the exit of Ange Postecoglou.
Winners: Germany
Source: espn.co.uk