The 2002 World Cup got off to a sensational start in Seoul today when
tournament newcomers Senegal humiliated reigning champions France by snatching a well-deserved 1-0 win
Pape Bouba Diop is the name that will forever be associated with this, one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history, after the midfielder put the finishing touch to a move initiated on the half-hour mark by gifted young striker El Hadji Diouf.
France were missing Zinedine Zidane, but still expected to steamroller their Senegalese opponents. But they completely failed to cope with the power and courage of the Africans, and their defensive frailties were repeatedly exposed by the sparkling skills of Diouf and Khalilou Fadiga.
Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet both struck shots against the woodwork, but, in general, a ponderous French side struggled to create openings. Senegal also rattled the goals, when Fadiga whacked a ferocious second-half drive against the bar.
Senegal, a French colony until 1960, had said all along that they were the only team in the world which actually wanted to confront the world champions, and this afternoon, they back up their confident words with brave and skillful deeds.
And their dancing at the final whistle made the opening ceremony appear decidedly tame!