Metsu is in confident mood (Allsport).

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Oita

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Senegal coach Bruno Metsu has today warned Sweden his 'Lions' will not be denied the chance to make history on Sunday.

Metsu and his squad stand on the brink of becoming only the second African side to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, with Cameroon the initial trailblazers at Italia 90.

But following the demise of Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia in the opening group stages, Senegal - known as the Lions of Teranga - now stand as the sole representatives of African football.

The combination of French flair, as a remarkable 21 of the 23-man squad ply their trade in France, in combination with a naivety so often associated with African teams, has endeared them to the hearts of their Far Eastern hosts.

European guile and stoicism in the form of Sweden is all that stands in the way of the Senegalese and their moment of glory, which would easily eclipse their runners-up finish to Cameroon in this year's African Cup of Nations.

On Metsu's shoulders, and those of his players, rest the hopes of all in Africa and the defiant Frenchman stated: "Tomorrow is a fantastic occasion for Senegalese and African football and I am sure my players will rise to it.

"The team is 100 percent physically ready to take on Sweden. Whoever pulls on the shirt of Senegal tomorrow will give everything they have, whether they start the game or they come off the bench to play.

"Team spirit has always been the foundation of this team, and that will be the same tomorrow, which won't change even if there are other players in the line-up."

Metsu is referring to the fact he is without suspended duo Salif Diao and Khalilou Fadiga, while Souleymane Camara joins Aliou Cisse on the injured list, although there is a chance the influential captain could shake off a calf problem.

On the eve of such a vital match for Senegal, Metsu was forced to refute rumours claiming he had signed a contract to join little-known Turkish side Gaziantepspor at the end of the competition.

"That is not correct," countered Metsu, who has become a hero to the Senegalese people following his appointment. "I am the coach of Senegal."

The players certainly enjoy playing for Metsu, who has engendered a close-knit bond among the squad, and their enthusiasm and relaxed attitude comes to the fore.

It is the collective will, rather than any individual, which shines as defender Alassane Ndour said: "This team is physically and mentally strong, and that is why we have reached the second round.

"Now, we are fighting for the people of Senegal, for African football and for a good result to get us through to the quarter finals."