Soccer: Disputed penalty seals Denmark win over Cameroon

Copenhagen - A disputed penalty secured Denmark's 2-1 win over African champions Cameroon in their World Cup warm-up match in Copenhagen on Friday.

Norwegian referee Rune Pedersen awarded the 58th minute penalty for a foul on Claus Jensen, converted by Jon Dahl Tomasson, which gave the Danes a 2-0 lead even coach Morten Olsen admitted was unfair and undeserved.

"I must admit that the result was not fair. But a victory for them wouldn't have been fair either," Olsen told reporters.

"A draw would have been alright against good opponents, who are deservedly African champions."

The Danes dominated the first half but only went ahead through an own goal from Lucien Mettomo, who deflected Dennis Rommedahl's cross into his own net after 20 minutes.

It was only after the penalty that Cameroon opened up, showing the form that saw them draw with Argentina in March.

After spurning a series of half-chances Modeste Mbami pulled a goal back, heading home from a well-worked set piece on 74 minutes.

"It was a good game for the crowd with many fine moments," Winfried Schaefer, Cameroon's German coach said. "We played a different system and missed a number of our key players."

Cameroon have been drawn against Germany, Ireland and Saudi Arabia in group E. Denmark meet holders France, Senegal and Uruguay in group A in the opening round of the finals.

- REUTERS

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