What they said at the World Cup draw

The World Cup draw in Moscow Friday threw up some tantalising group-stage encounters for next year's finals, including 2010 winner Spain's clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Here, we take a look at the best reaction from the countries bidding for World Cup glory in Russia. The World Cup big guns "Portugal have won an important title and, moreover, very recently. They are the champion of Europe...We are talking about the highest level." - Spain coach Julen Lopetegui on the prospect of his side taking on the European champion in Sochi.

#Iran coach Carlos Quieroz: "For us, the opening match against #Morocco is like our World Cup final."

Perhaps no great surprise given they then play 2010 champs Spain and European champs Portugal. #FifaWorldCupDraw #Maroc pic.twitter.com/GEpPPb8S1h — Piers Edwards (@piers_e) December 1, 2017

"Spain are the natural favourite." - Portugal boss Fernando Santos talks up their Iberian neighbour ahead of the Group B showdown. "Other groups are tougher, our is more straightforward. (Coach) Tite has to be preparing his strategy." - Brazil's 2002 World Cup hero Ronaldo to Brazilian TV after the five-time champion drew Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

Who can stop this incredible attacking flair of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus & Coutinho that Brazil will parade at the 2018 World Cup in Moscow, Russia? The giants of the beautiful game! pic.twitter.com/HaRIPPHb4k

— Boni Khalwale (@KBonimtetezi) December 1, 2017

"It's a pretty good draw compared to other groups, we have the status of favourite to assume." - France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to Canal+ Sport after the 1998 winner were pitted against Australia, Peru and Denmark. "I'm certainly not scared." - Germany coach Joachim Loew to ZDF. His reigning champion face Mexico, Sweden and South Korea.

Argentina ?? vs Nigeria ?? in the @FIFAWorldCup Group Stage:

✅ 1994 ✅ 2002 ✅ 2010 ✅ 2014 ✅ 2018 ....the World Cup version of Arsenal vs Bayern. ? pic.twitter.com/8vcqiJP5ur — SPORF (@Sporf) December 2, 2017

"Beyond having the best player in the world, we need to have a team which function well." - Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli hopes his side don't rely on Lionel Messi after being handed a tough draw against Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland. "I go back to the last two tournaments. We really have to be focused, make sure nothing is taken for granted." - England manager Gareth Southgate looks for his team to learn lessons from previous failures. They'll play Belgium, Tunisia and Panama.

Hi @GarethSouthgate ! ? Looking forward to 28/6 ? Good luck @England ?#WorldCupDraw#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/h4mBCs8x2n

— BelgianRedDevils (@BelRedDevils) December 1, 2017

The dark horses "Uruguay is a small country with a lot of history and it deserves to be known by everyone." - Uruguay assistant coach Celso Otero, after the South Americans drew host Russia. "It's a tough group, but I can't wait to get started, we want to be at our best." - Croatia's Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic after their tricky draw in Group D.

Group D may not be a Group of Death, but it can definitely be a Group of Considerable Difficulty. Argentina, Nigeria, Croatia and Iceland. ARG the heavy favorites, but don't think there'll be any boring games in that one.

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) December 1, 2017

"Playing the group's first game against Brazil is a childhood dream." - Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes. "But we also played without Victor Moses." - Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr doesn't think the absence of Messi was such a key factor in the Super Eagles' recent 4-2 friendly win over Argentina.

The last time Nigeria met Messi at a World Cup... #WorldCupDraw pic.twitter.com/IUcbN0302f

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) December 1, 2017

The outsiders "We're thinking of getting to the final, that's the ambition of this group." - Senegal's West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate. The Africans take on Poland, Colombia and Japan as they look to beat their 2002 run to the quarter-final. "The only dangerous player is Messi!" - Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez when asked if the debutant fear any of England's players.

World Cup futures odds to win - Group F per @LVSuperBook: ?? Germany 9/2 ?? Mexico 50/1 ?? Sweden 80/1 ?? South Korea 250/1 #WorldCupDraw

— Covers (@Covers) December 1, 2017

"The ball is round. If we can prepare hard to improve, I think our tears at the 2014 World Cup can turn into smiles." - South Korea's Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-Min speaking to Yonhap News Agency. "Starting with three points (against Denmark) will bring us peace of mind. Winning will be the key before playing France." - Former Peru midfielder Nolberto Solano as his country prepares for a first World Cup since 1982.

People worry the World Cup is tainted with corruption, but I’m sure all will be forgotten at the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

— Henry Mance (@henrymance) December 1, 2017

The host "I think that this is a perfect - even ideal - group." - Former Russia coach Valery Gazzayev speaking to R-Sport after the host's draw with Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. "We just didn't want to get Spain from pot two." - The relieved current Russian boss, Stanislav Cherchesov.