Denmark beat Swedes to secure World Cup spot

Former European champions Denmark secured automatic qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals after beating group 1 opponents Sweden 1-0 here on Saturday.

Jakob Poulsen scored the game’s only goal in the 79th minute to keep the Danes top of the group. They now have an unassailable 21 points from nine of their ten games.

Sweden remain on 15 points with Portugal, who play Hungary later Saturday, third on 13 points.

Only group winners secure automatic qualification for the finals in South Africa next year, with the eight best group runners-up being forced into a two-leg play-off.

An emotional Poulsen, who plays for AGF Aarhus, said: “I’m happy and proud. It’s amazing, it’s the highlight of my footballing career so far.”