Denmark v Senegal preview

Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga is hoping he and his team-mates can match the performance that brought a shock victory over holders France when they tackle Denmark in Daegu today.

Fadiga, who was accused of stealing a gold necklace from a South Korean jewellery shop before the tournament started but was later cleared, knows Senegal served up a gem of a display against Roger Lemerre's men in Seoul.

And Fadiga sees no reason to fear the Danes providing the Lions of west Africa can continue where they laid off against the French.

"We're not afraid of Denmark," said Fadiga. "We just need to play well in this match as we did before."

Coach Bruno Metso sees another hard match for his men, runners-up to Cameroon as African champions.

He said: "Denmark are a solid, strong team. We know it will be difficult again.

"At the beginning we achieved a great success against France, now we must do the same again.

"But it's a big challenge because Denmark have done well against African sides, beating Nigeria and Cameroon.

"But we feel a great satisfaction with what we have achieved so far and want to continue the same way."

Senegal will be without their skipper Aliou Cisse, who has not recovered from a calf injury sustained against France.

Meanwhile, Denmark's stars are refusing to look ahead to the prospect of facing England in the next stage of the World Cup finals.

If Denmark beat Senegal they will be odds-on to top the section and that could set up a clash with England if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side recover from the draw with Sweden to claim second spot in Group F.

But Jon Dahl Tomasson, the two-goal hero of Denmark's impressive win over Uruguay, refused to look beyond the battle with the shock side from Africa, saying: "Let's just get through the next game first.

"Yes, six points for us would almost certainly see us qualify for the next phase, and I have great confidence that we can do it because we believe in ourselves."

Bolton midfielder Stig Tofting will play through the pain of a foot injury to try and send his country into the last 16.

Tofting damaged the tendons in his foot during the victory over Uruguay and has been having intense treatment ever since, training separately with a physio.

But Tofting said: "The injury is okay, there's no problem and I am fit to play."

Denmark coach Morten Olsen spoke in praise of Senegal, adding: "They showed against France that they are tactically and technically excellent.

"They are not a side based around one or two individuals but work tremendously as a team. We know they can attack, but so can we and I feel we will see a very exciting, attacking game."