Olsen hopeful of having fitter team vs. Cameroon

Olsen hopeful of having fitter team vs. Cameroon

Published Jun. 15, 2010 6:45 p.m. ET

Denmark coach Morten Olsen is hopeful of having a fitter team for Saturday's World Cup match against Cameroon.

Denmark was missing key players like striker Jon Dahl Tomasson and central midfielder Daniel Jensen in Monday's 2-0 loss to the Netherlands, while striker Nicklas Bendtner played despite being hampered by the affects of a groin strain.

Olsen said Tuesday that ``some of our players are coming back from injury'' and that he ``expects Tomasson to train'' on Wednesday, although it is only likely to be a light session for the 33-year-old Feyenoord forward.

Tomasson's guile, touch and experience was sorely missed against the Dutch, as was his scoring ability. He has 51 international goals in 110 appearances, and is one goal shy of Poul Nielsen's national team record.

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Cameroon lost 1-0 to Japan in Group E's other match.

Olsen says his players must be ``prepared for a different way of playing'' and a more physical contest against Cameroon.

Denmark may have already played its hardest game of the group stage, and Olsen does not seem to think Cameroon poses the same threat as the Netherlands flowing, attacking game.

``We have a lot of possibilities tactically,'' Olsen said. ``Cameroon have many good players, but they don't have the same qualities as the Dutch team.''

Although Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o is under pressure to lead his team to victory after the disappointing result against Japan, Olsen is not focusing entirely on stopping the prolific Inter Milan forward.

``Of course he is an important player, he has a lot of abilities,'' Olsen said. ``One player cannot win a football match alone.''

Ajax winger Dennis Rommedahl admits he is unsure of what to expect from Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen's team.

``I only know one or two of their players,'' Rommedahl said. ``I am sure we will have our chances against them.''

Denmark plays its final group game against Japan, and Cameroon faces the Netherlands on June 24.

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