The irony of the draw for the upcoming World Cup Finals saw Arsenal players Nicklas Bendtner, Alex Song and Robin van Persie all in the same group, in group E.

The Danish and Cameroon International were speaking about what they expect from the competition, with both of them very confident that they will go far as that is the reason why they will trave to South Africa.

Speaking to the Arsenal official matchday programme, Song explained how the first game of the group stage – against Japan – will be of mighty importance as it is the key to approach the other two games, against much tougher opposition, with the right mental attitude.

The midfielder also joked about what it will be like to face Nicklas Bendtner, adding how he told him not to bring a heavy luggage in Africa as it will not be needed since Cameroon and Holland will be the two teams to qualify from the group stage.

Song said:

Things have not always been easy in the Cameroon squad so the best thing to do is talk with the manager about how we can change things positively. I hope that the team’s mentality is in tune when we go out to South Africa.

The first game is so important. If we cans tart with a win it will help the confidence for the next two games.

I’ve told Nick [Bendtner] he doesn’t have any chance and shouldn’t bring much luggage with him, because he won’t need it.

He’ll have to watch the rest of the World Cup at home because I reckon Holland have better prospects. I told Robin that we both needed to win our two games and then the result when we play each other will not be a problem.

Seriously though, we’ll be going there to win every single match – and we know the high quality of player we’ll be up against.

Denmark against Holland will be an important game in the group.

As equally confident for his team’s chances is the 22-year old striker. Unlike Song, Bendtner does not expect the Scandinavians to crash out as early as the group stage, quite the opposite, as he explained how the objective of Morten Olsen’s men is to reach the end and win it.

Bendtner, who was in fine form for the Gunners after making his comeback from injury, is however fully aware that it will not be easy for them if they really are to lift the cup, especially since they will probably have to face Italy in the Last 16 of the competition.

The striker explained:

I expect that we will go there and have a great campaign. We are going there to win the tournament. Denmark have produced plenty of upsets in football history, so why not again? If we don’t qualify from our group, it will be a huge disappointment.

But what happens if we qualify for the next phase is impossible to say. From the match schedule, it looks as if we might play against Italy in the last 16, and to face the reigning world champions would of course be a major test for us.