Denmark celebrate victory over France (Allsport)
DANES FANCY THEIR CHANCES
By Kirstie Lovewell, PA International
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Denmark are relishing the chance to slay another football giant after learning they are to face England in the
second round of the World Cup.
Morten Olsen's Danes shook the earth by finishing top of Group A and sealing
the early exit of defending champions France from the competition.
They beat Les Bleus on Tuesday 2-0.
Had England taken three points against Nigeria, then Denmark would have
faced Sweden who drew with Argentina.
But Sweden, on goal difference, finished top of the Group of Death and they
will instead face Senegal.
"England are a huge footballing nation and obviously they'll be the
favourites in the match against us," said Olsen.
"But we definitely have our chances. The World Cup has already proved this
and it's likely to be a question of form on the day."
Denmark's play has been characterised by good organisation, solid defending
and formidable attacking from the wings.
Their midfield play has been efficient and should pose numerous problems for
Sven-Goran Eriksson's men.
Jon Dahl Tomasson, the Danish striker who struggled in 1997-98 at Newcastle,
can now make his English critics look foolish by continuing his rich vein of
form.
Tomasson scored just three goals in 23 appearances on Tyneside but has
developed into one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe since his move to
Feyenoord.
"It would have been interesting to have a Scandinavian tussle with Sweden but
I'm looking forward to an exciting match against England, who are a good team,"
Tomasson said.
He marched into the World Cup on the heels of a magnificent UEFA Cup against
Borussia Dortmund, earning man-of-the-match honours.
Tomasson is cashing in on his recent success by moving to AC Milan and there
he will play with fellow Danish international Martin Laursen.
Laursen will be in the centre of the Danes' defence against England.
"It's really fantastic to be meeting England," Laursen said.
"They are a great footballing country, which would mean a lot to us if we
could knock them out.
"I've seen a few of England's games and I think we have a chance.
"Defensively they're very strong but we've not really had the chance to see
their attacking qualities, which we know they have.
"They have a very strong defence, with two particularly good centre backs and
a left back who can also attack.
"It'll be great for my team-mates who play in the Premier League."
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