Four African sides will have realistic hopes of reaching the knockout phase of the 2014 World Cup, leaving Ghana as the only team to be drawn against tough opponents in next year's Brazil finals.

The Black Stars, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 in South Africa, were paired with European heavyweights Germany and Portugal in addition to the United States in Group G.

Ivory Coast have finally breathed a sigh of relief after being drawn against Colombia, Greece and Japan in Group C.

The Elephants were unlucky during their previous two World Cup participations, failing to get beyond the group stage in 2006 and 2010 after having to face the likes of Argentina, Netherlands, Portugal and Brazil.

Nigeria, who won the African Nations Cup earlier this year, were paired with Argentina in Group F but they can still make it to the knockout phase if the overcome Bosnia and Iran.

Algeria, the only Arab side to qualify for next year's finals, will face Belgium, Russia and South Korea in Group H while Cameroon wll play hosts Brazil, Croatia and Mexico in Group A.

No African side have ever made it to the semis. Cameroon qualified for the quarters in 1990 and Senegal and Ghana achieved the same feat in 2002 and 2010 respectively.

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