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Danish coach irritated by early kickoff against Senegal
Posted: Wednesday December 05, 2001 11:21 AM
     

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- FIFA's decision to switch next June's World Cup soccer match between Denmark and Senegal to a probably hot South Korean afternoon instead of a cooler evening gives a boost to the African team, Danish coach Morten Olsen claimed Wednesday. 

"The odds for a good result against Senegal have been considerably reduced," he stated in a communique from the Danish soccer association. 

"We now will have to play against the African team in the afternoon and in the absolute hottest of all World Cup cities.... That is clearly an advantage for our African friends," Olsen added. 

The match in Daegu, South Korea, initially was scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time. But soccer's governing body decided to move two games -- Denmark-Senegal and France-Uruguay -- to 3:30 p.m. 

"It is a typical example that commercial interests weigh heavier that the athletic considerations," Olsen said. There's no chance to reverse the decision because of FIFA's commercial television agreements, he added. 

Average daytime highs in Daegu during June can reach 33 degrees (91 Fahrenheit), Olsen said --- much warmer than in Denmark. 

Defending champion France is favored to win Group A. Denmark's best hope seems to be to finish second, for which a win over Senegal is crucial. 

The Danes will be making their third appearance in the World Cup finals. 


From CNN

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