Coach Metsu watches and hopes (Allsport).

By Mike Tyas

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What a remarkable achievement it is for Senegal to make it through to the last 16

They may have been hanging on by their fingernails against the Uruguayans in their final group match but their qualification was no fluke.

It has been acknowledged for years that the Africans have had the physical strength and pace to cause the leading nations trouble.

But Senegal, until the last, frantic 45 minutes against Uruguay have looked disciplined and tactically astute, and great credit must go to coach Bruno Metsu.

And whoever they play in the second round, Senegal will pose a threat.

They have vastly exceeded expectations and because there's absolutely no pressure on them, they will be able to play with the freedom to express themselves.

In El Hadji Diouf and Pape Bouba Diop, Senegal have players blessed with skill and vision while the pace of Henri Camara provides additional ammunition to a side that looks happiest on the counter-attack.

Uruguay flattered to deceive when it really mattered.

They came so close to pulling off a dramatic fightback that would have seen them through and saved Victor Pua the job of tendering his resignation.

But they underperformed throughout the group stage and particularly in the crucial defeat to Denmark.