Saturday, Jun 15, 2002
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Football
CUP OF JOY: For David Beckham, leading from the front during a training session, the World Cup of Woes is a distant memory as he warms up with (from left) Kieron Dyer, Emile Heskey, Gareth Southgate, Danny Mills, Teddy Sheringham and Darius Vassel ahead of the Round of 16 match against Denmark. — AP
Six members of the Danish squad earn their living in the Premiership and have first-hand knowledge of English football. They may not be household names like the Beckhams and Owens of this world but players such as Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen and Manchester City's new signing Niclas Jensen have already proved more than a match for any team - just ask France. Second round Germany v Paraguay, Noon Denmark v England, 5 p.m.
The World Cup holder lost 2-0 to Denmark in their final first round match on Tuesday, a result which condemned 'Les Bleus' to a premature exit from the tournament they won on home soil four years ago. Steve McClaren, assistant coach to Sven-Goran Eriksson, who when not on England duty manages Premiership outfit Middlesbrough, is expecting few surprises from the rival as the competition moves in to its knock-out phase. After surviving the Group of Death England is high on confidence but McClaren warned that Denmark represent a serious danger to his side's chances of reaching the quarter-finals. ``Denmark are there on merit,'' said McClaren. ``They performed very well in the group, won the games that were necessary and finished top of a difficult group so they have to be respected. ``But we know that if we play to our strengths we can get a result. However we play we will have to be at the top of our game if we want to progress. Hopefully there will be no surprises on Saturday evening.'' McClaren watched the video tape of Denmark's win over the French and was impressed with what he saw. ``France found it very, very difficult to break through and create chances,'' he said. ``The Danish are well organised, they have pace up front and out wide and are tough in midfield. They keep things tight at the back so its going to be very difficult for us. It could take a piece of magic from an individual to win the game.'' That one individual could be David Beckham who has had a hand, or rather a foot, in both of England's World Cup goals. The England captain's corner provided Sol Campbell with England's opener in the 1-1 draw with Sweden before slamming home the first half penalty which sealed victory over pre-tournament favourites Argentina. In-form striker Jon Dahl Tomasson is another concern for the Danes. The tournament's second top scorer with four goals has a groin strain. Should Tomasson fail to be fit in time for the match McClaren will be a relieved man. England's assistant coach has kept a watchful eye on the forward who struggled to make an impact when he played in the Premiership with Newcastle United. ``I watched Tomasson quite a bit last season for Feyenoord who won the UEFA Cup,'' he said. ``He's matured as a player. He always was a good player, always had good ability and now he's starting to come through.'' Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves is missing for England with a shin injury and is expected to be ruled out for another week. History favours England who have an impressive record against Denmark. In 14 meetings between the two teams England have won nine times and lost only once.
Revitalised Germans
In Seogwipo, Germans' relentless march to World Cup glory continues when they cross swords with minnows Paraguay for the right to become the first nation into the quarterfinals. A revitalised German side eager to put to rest the ghosts of Euro 2000 should have few problems against the South Americans, although Paraguay's veteran Italian coach Cesare Maldini will be planning otherwise. The pedigree of the sides speaks for itself. Germany has played in six finals, won three times and only missed a last eight berth twice in 14 attempts. Paraguay, on the other hand, has never progressed to a quarterfinal in five World Cup appearances and only made it to the last 16 here by the skin of their teeth. But the adrenalin will be pumping after its extraordinary come-from-behind win over Slovenia, in the same stadium it plays Germany, which helped them pip South Africa for second place in Group B on goal difference. While Paraguay has a respected defence and a capable attacking arsenal, much will depend on what master tactician Maldini, the oldest coach in the finals at 70, can conjure up. The Italian's inspired tactical changes secured their famous 3-1 win over Slovenia, with all the goals coming from substitutes. ``It is going to be a very difficult match, as all the matches are,'' said Maldini. ``We will try to play as we know how and will see what happens. But we believe in ourselves.'' But with steely-eyed scoring sensation Miroslav Klose up front, Bayer Leverkusen's attacking midfielder Michael Ballack supplying the passses and Oliver Kahn between the posts, Germany should prove too hot to handle. After its disastrous first round exit at Euro 2000 and being forced through the playoffs to reach the World Cup finals after missing out to England on automatic qualification, the German coach says anything from here on is a bonus. . — AFP
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