Soccer: Senegal seek repeat of sensational start

TAEGU - Senegal will put their new-found fame on the line tonight against Denmark after their stunning debut win over France.

The Africans confounded all predictions against the Frenchmen when a first-half goal from Papa Bouba Diop sent shockwaves around the world.

Despite losing the surprise factor used to such great effect in toppling France, their dynamism in attack, power in midfield and solidity at the back will have been noted by the Danes, who also started their campaign with a win, 2-1 over Uruguay.

"We are not afraid of Denmark," Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga said.

"We just need to play well in this match as we did before."

Striker Amara Traore, the veteran of the team at 36, said: "Denmark are a good side, but we are very strong."

Bouba Diop added: "It is like usual: we don't feel much pressure."

Bruno Metsu's side are fretting over the fitness of captain and centre-back Aliou Cisse, who hobbled out of a training session on Tuesday with a calf muscle injury.

Cisse, like the rest of the squad, was given the day off from training yesterday and is receiving intensive treatment.

A team spokesman said Senegal were optimistic he would recover in time to play.

The Danes opened their campaign in Ulsan when Jon Dahl Tomasson netted twice in a fine win over Uruguay.

The tough-tackling Stig Tofting, who injured his left foot against Uruguay, initially feared a broken bone, but seems likely to take his place in central midfield.

If he does not, Claus Jensen or talented youngster Christian Poulsen are likely to replace him alongside Thomas Gravesen.

The Danes are set to stick with the same side who accounted for Uruguay, with wingers Jesper Gronkjaer and Dennis Rommedahl out to get behind the pacy Senegal defence to service Tomasson and Ebbe Sand in attack.

- REUTERS

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