Newcastle supporters may not have rosy-tinged memories of Jon Dahl Tomasson, but, as the focal point of what looks like one of the most attractive Denmark sides for years, their former centre-forward was a revelation.
"People in England remember him from his time in Newcastle, when he had to play as an out-and-out striker and had a tough time," said Niclas Jensen, Denmark's Manchester City midfielder, afterwards. "Now he is in his real position and, as you saw today, he is a great player."
Two fine strikes from Tomasson, who scored four goals in 33 games in one Newcastle season, saw off a spirited and skilful Uruguay and set up what could be the most improbable of group deciders against Senegal on Thursday.
Denmark's coach Morten Olsen was understandably keen to talk down their chances. "We have a chance, but I think France are still favourites," he claimed.
"Senegal were very good against France. Still, I think Senegal, Uruguay and ourselves have to play for second place."
If Olsen's troops beat the Africans, they are all but into the second round. Both coaches were impressed with the game.According to Olsen, "both sets of players showed fantastic mentality". Uruguay's Victor Pua was happy that "we played a good match. It is not our fault we lost since Denmark knew how to score at the right moments."
The first of those moments came when a flowing move involving Thomas Gravesen, Tomasson and Jesper Gronkjaer ended with the latter crossing for Tomasson - who has agreed a deal to join AC Milan this summer - to steer home a close-range shot.
The second came in the 83rd minute, when Gronkjaer's replacement Martin Jorgensen curled a cross to Tomasson, a chance he converted with ease.
Between times, a goal of rare ferocity and fabulous technique came from Dario Rodriguez, the Uruguay left-back volleying a thigh-high ball into the top corner from nearly 25 yards.
"It was a punch in the face for us," said Jensen. By the end, though, it was Uruguay who were out for the count.
SUBSTITUTES
Denmark: Jensen for Heintze (58 mins); Jorgensen for Gronkjaer (70); Poulsen for Sand (89). Uruguay: Regueiro for Recoba (80 mins); Magallanes for Rodriguez (87); Morales for Abreu (88).
YELLOW CARDS
Denmark: Heintze 34, Laursen 51. Uruguay: Mendez 25.
