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Sensation as Senegal stun France

France get in a tangle as Diop prepares to pounce
France get in a tangle as Diop prepares to pounce  


SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- Champions France were beaten by Senegal as the World Cup opened with a sensation in Seoul.

The African underdogs snatched the only goal on 30 minutes after a mix-up in the French defence, then kept France at bay thanks to resolute defending and the woodwork. It was the biggest upset in the World Cup finals since 1990 when Cameroon beat champions Argentina in the first match.

Pape Bouba Diop was sprawled on the grass when he poked the ball into the net after French midfielder Emmanuel Petit made a hash of clearing a cross. The goal triggered an elaborate celebratory dance around the corner flag as the French defenders stood and stared.

"I'm not a better coach today than I was yesterday, but you have to have faith and keep loving the game and be there to get results like this," Senegal coach Bruno Metsu told The Associated Press.

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"It is like a dream, but it isn't a miracle because the team worked very hard for it."

Senegal had failed to be overawed by the occasion in the Seoul Stadium and tested the French defence with pace up front early on.

France had nearly taken the lead after 21 minutes when David Trezeguet's right foot shot crashed back off a post with keeper Tony Sylva beaten.

After the goal they stepped up the pressure. Sylva caught Youri Djorkaeff's free-kick then the Frenchman fired over.

France should have levelled in the 56th minute but striker Thierry Henry, unmarked at the far post, headed over. A minute later Sylva clutched Patrick Vieira's header from a corner. And Henry nearly made amends when his curling right-foot shot hit the bar.

But the champions were also saved by the woodwork at the other end when Khalilou Fadiga's drive clipped the top of the bar.

Henry had a chance to save France's blushes on 90 minutes after hesitancy in Senegal's defence but Sylva kept out his shot.

"The Senegalese were well organised. These things happen," France coach Rogere Lemerre told AP.

Senegal's Moussa Ndiaye, right, skips past France's Bixente Lizarazu
Senegal's Moussa Ndiaye, right, skips past France's Bixente Lizarazu  

"It's true that we would have liked a happier start. But we take comfort from the fact that nothing's finished. There are two more matches to win. If we can win, we'll have six points and we'll be through."

The game kicked off after a colourful opening ceremony amid tight security in the stadium and around the South Korean capital. (Full story)

Senegal coach Bruno Metsu picked nine of the players that lost on penalties to Cameroon in the African Nations Cup final in February, including midfielder Khalilou Fadiga, who is under investigation on suspicion of stealing an 18-carat gold necklace in Taegu this week.

All of Senegal's starting team play for French clubs. In comparison, none of the champions play in their domestic league.

France had eight of the team that featured in the 1998 final against Brazil, but Zinedine Zidane, who scored twice in that match, was out injured.

The other two teams in Group A are Denmark and Uruguay, who play on Saturday.

France Fabien Barthez; Lilian Thuram, Marcel Desailly, Frank Leboeuf, Bixente Lizarazu; Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Youri Djorkaeff; Sylvain Wiltord, David Trezeguet, Thierry Henry

Senegal Tony Sylva; Omar Daf, Lamine Diatta, Aliou Cisse, Ferdinand Coly, Pape Malick Diop; Khalilou Fadiga, Salif Diao, Pape Bouba Diop, Moussa Ndiaye; El Hadji Diouf.

Referee Ali Mohamed Bujsaim (United Arab Emirates)





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