Is it that time already?

Believe it or not, groups were selected for the upcoming World Cup 2010 qualifiers today. Italy landed in Group 8 with Bulgaria, The Republic of Ireland, Montenegro, Cyprus and Georgia.

Even though Italy are the reigning World Cup champions, they are now required to qualify for their spot just like the other teams. This is the first year that this rule is in effect. Host nation, South Africa, is the only team guaranteed a spot with 31 places to be determined.
Bulgaria and Ireland in Group 8

The other groups in Europe are as follows:
Group 1-Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta
Group 2-Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg
Group 3-Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino
Group 4-Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein
Group 5-Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia
Group 6-Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra
Group 7-France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands
Group 8-Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro
Group 9-Holland, Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland

See the World Cup homepage for details on other groups, countries and continents.
World Cup 2010 homepage