Senegal have last 16 place in their sights

The flag bearers of African football at these finals will nail down a place in the last 16 of their first World Cup if Senegal can win at least one point from Uruguay today.

Senegal have already upset the Group A form book with a win over France and proved their steel with a 1-1 draw with Denmark. They have four points from two games and are second in the group to Denmark on goal difference.

For Uruguayan coach Victor Pua, the discipline of Senegal's France-based squad is of primary concern as his team seeks the win they need to retain a chance of qualification.

"They have learnt a lot in Europe as nearly all their players are based in France, but at the same time they have the speed and physical strength of the Africans," Pua said.

"They are a very strong side."

Uruguay have only one point from their two games and are third above France on goal difference.

Apart from the continued injury to midfielder Fabian O'Neill, Uruguay are at full strength.

Senegal, however, will be without midfielder Salif Diao, who scored their only goal against Denmark but was sent off 10 minutes from time for a nasty challenge.

Replacing Diao in the centre of the pitch will be hard.

Diao is a stern tackler and ball-winner who can switch easily to attack.

Coach Bruno Metsu brought on defender Habib Beye to fill the gap left by Diao against Denmark but may want a new option for Uruguay.

Metsu will also be hoping that sweeper and captain Aliou Cisse has recovered from a calf muscle injury that kept him off the field against Denmark.

Pua, in search of goals, says Uruguay will have to learn to put away the chances created by attacking midfielders such as Alvaro Recoba if they want to stay in the tournament.

"Over the course of the two games so far we've created eight, nine or 10 good chances to score, so at least that's something Uruguay are doing well," said Pua, whose side were the 32nd and final team to qualify for the World Cup.

"But this is turning out to be the most difficult group in the competition.

"We've only scored once and France have yet to score."

Probable teams...

Senegal: Sylva, Daf, Diatta, Sarr, P.M. Diop, Coly, Fadiga, Beye, P.B. Diop, Ndiaye, Diouf.

Uruguay: Carini, Mendez, Lembo, Montero, Rodriguez, Varela, Garcia, Guigou, Recoba, Silva, Abreu.

Referee: Jan Wegereef (Holland).

On TV: Live on Ch. 12 at 8.30 a.m. Delayed on Rai Uno at 11 a.m.