Jun 7, 2002 3 min read

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) – Senegal showed its World Cup upset of France was no fluke by tying Denmark. The French then offered further proof when they managed just a 0-0 tie with Uruguay – plunging the beleaguered defending champions to the verge of tournament elimination. Forced to play a man down for 65 minutes after Thierry Henry was ejected Thursday, France came close to scoring several times at Busan, South Korea. But without injured star Zinedine Zidane, it couldn’t solve goalkeeper Fabian Carini, and now France must beat Denmark on Tuesday or else go home.

It was the first scoreless tie in this World Cup.

“We still have great moments ahead of us,” French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez promised. “We have to play right until the end.”

Coach Roger Lemerre believed his team proved something while playing short-handed.

“All of France saw the team gave everything it had, with 10 players against 11,” he said. “It’s true that we didn’t score against Senegal and we didn’t score against Uruguay. But we have hope.”

Senegal tied the Danes 1-1, but outplayed them for much of the game in Daegu, South Korea. The Africans finished with 10 men after Salif Diao was ejected for a hard tackle that brought his second yellow card of the game.

Senegal needs only a tie in its final group game against Uruguay to advance to the second round in its first World Cup.

“The players had a great match and it was a big achievement,” coach Bruno Metsu said.

“In the second half they showed all their talent and teamwork.

“It’s a big victory for Africa.”

Another African team also won Thursday. Cameroon edged Saudi Arabia 1-0 at Saitama, Japan, making the Saudis the first team eliminated from the tournament.

Only Senegal’s 1-0 opening victory against France matched the United States’ 3-2 win over Portugal in the first round for shock value.

The Americans quickly turned their focus to the future on Thursday, just hours after their biggest World Cup win since beating England in 1950.

“We got to enjoy it last night and now it’s back to business,” said Brian McBride, who scored the winner vs. Portugal on a powerful header.

Next up is co-host South Korea on Monday in Daegu, where it should be hot and humid. The Koreans, showing more offensive spark than usual, beat Poland 2-0 in their first game.

“The game is not going to be played at a frantic pace despite the fitness of the players,” coach Bruce Arena warned.

Although the Saudis were eliminated, they performed more professionally Thursday than in an 8-0 loss to Germany. The only goal was scored by Samuel Eto’o in the 65th minute as he sidestepped two defenders. If Cameroon beats Germany on Tuesday, it will advance.