Danes do it in style

Torben and John were jubilant in Incheon

By Stuart Roach BBC Sport Online's man in Korea

Danish fans are hastily rebooking their travel arrangements after sensationally sending holders France packing.

They were steamrollering us but we did it

Denmark fan John Poulsen

While French officials scrambled for an early flight home, the Danes were turning their attentions to Japan following a 2-0 win in Incheon that clinched top spot in Group A.

"This is absolutely fantastic," said Danish fan John Poulsen, whose face and bare chest were painted in the colours of the Denmark flag.

"It's wonderful that we beat them. We're in there, in the last 16."

Danes think they can go much further in the finals

That sweet 16 stage has become something of a holy grail for many sides at this tournament and Denmark knew they would move through even if they were beaten by a single goal.

France pushed hard for the early goal which would have set the match up nicely, but the Danish defence was strong and, behind them, Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen outstanding.

"We were very strong. They had Petit and Henry out but Zidane was in and we put up an excellent fight when they were pushing us," said John.

Keeper Sorensen was a giant presence

"They were steamrollering us but we did it. Sorensen was excellent - he went in head first and was fantastic."

Denmark could now face England in the second round if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side finish second in Group F.

And that would be a mouthwatering clash for the many Premiership based players in the Denmark squad.

"We would love to see our team play England now and I'm sure they would be up for a tough fight there," said Torben, another Danish supporter draped in the flag of his home country.

But he had a warning for England, or whoever Denmark's second round opponents may be.

"I think we will grow stronger and stronger now and we will see some excellent football in the next games.

"We have a team which plays together and they will become stronger as the tournament goes on."

French fans shrug off exit