Senegal will put their new-found fame on the line this morning against Denmark after their stunning World Cup debut win over world champions France. The Lions of west Africa confounded all predictions and Friday's first-half goal from Pape 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. All World Cup teams are very good and we need to watch out," said Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga, accused and later exonerated of stealing a gold necklace in a South Korean jewellery shop before the tournament started. "We just need to play well in this match as we did before."
Striker Amara Traore, the veteran of the team at 36, added: "Denmark are a good team but we are very strong."
Bruno Metsu's side are fretting on the fitness of captain and centre-back Aliou Cisse who hobbled out of a training session earlier in the week with a calf muscle injury.
Cisse, like the rest of the squad, was given the day off from training on Tuesday and is receiving intensive treatment.
The Danes opened their campaign on Saturday in Ulsan with Jon Dahl Tomasson netting 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 for Morten Olsen's side.
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 and formation that accounted for Uruguay, with wingers Jesper Gronkjaer and Dennis Rommedahl charged with getting behind the pacy Senegal defence to service Tomasson and Ebbe Sand in attack.
Probable teams...
Denmark: Sorensen, Helveg, Henriksen, Laursen, Heintze, Rommedahl, Gravesen, Tofting, Gronkjaer, Sand, Tomasson.
Senegal: Sylva, Daf, Diatta, Cisse, Coly, Malick Diop, Fadiga, Diao, Bouba Diop, Ndiaye, Diouf.
Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala).
On TV: Live on TVM, Rai Uno at 8.30 a.m.