Jensen out, Bendtner doubtful for Denmark

By Jonathan Wilson Jun 23, 2010, 19:22 GMT

Rustenburg, South Africa - Denmark coach Morten Olsen confirmed on Wednesday that Daniel Jensen will miss his side's Group E clash with Japan, while Nicklas Bendtner is doubtful.

Denmark must win the game if they are to qualify for the second round, while a draw would be enough to see Japan through.

Jensen has been carrying an Achilles tendon injury through the tournament, while Bendtner has a groin problem.

'Daniel Jensen cannot play tomorrow,' Olsen said. 'As for Bendtner, first of all we have to see if he can play.

'He's been doing alright, but by necessity every other day he does not participate in the practice. Every time he plays we wait to see the reaction, so there's always a doubt.'

Olsen was in particularly wry and gnomic form refusing to be drawn on whether he would look to exploit the 8cm average height advantage enjoyed by his side over Japan.

'Yes we are taller,' he said. 'That's all I have to say.

'You have to respect the opponent and focus on your own qualities try to play your own game but very often it's a question of having a good day. Using your head is part of the game.'

Defender Per Kroldrup was rather more forthright. 'We hope we can benefit from height advantage.

'Perhaps we are stronger than the Japanese in the air and hope we can benefit.'

Olsen was keen to insist Japan should not be underestimated. 'Fantastic,' he said when asked about their performances against Cameroon and the Netherlands. 'For me that's not a shock because I said before World Cup Japan could be one of the teams who could surprise people.

'We've followed them for the last half year. They lost 3-0 to Holland a year ago, but were the better team for 70 minutes.'

This is a Denmark squad creaking with injuries - as well as Jensen and Bendtner, Jon Dal Tomasson missed the opener with a hamstring, Simon Kjaer has a knee problem and Thomas Sorensen only returned from a dislocated elbow shortly before the tournament. But Olsen insisted his side is not too old.

'What's 32?' he asked pointing at the 32-year-old Gronkjaer. 'He can still play for eight years. You have to be positive and if the player is fit and still wants to play it's fantastic.

'They've played a lot together so they know each other's strengths and limitations. They are quality players - no doubt about that.'

Quality or not, they will still have to be at their best to beat an organised Japan side that has conceded just once so far in the tournament.

'Am I nervous?' Olsen asked. 'I'm never nervous. I'm excited. If you're not excited you should stop as a coach. I trust my team.'