Senegal stuns France in opener
Written: 2002-06-01 00:00:00 / Updated: 0000-00-00 00:00:00
Rekindling memories of one of Africa's greatest soccer triumphs 12 years earlier, Senegal beat defending champion France one to zero in the World Cup opener. Papa Bouba Diop made a 30th-minute goal to give the World Cup newcomers a stunning victory ... throwing a group of Senegalese supporters at the stadium into an ecstatic frenzy and sparking dancing in the streets back home in Dakar. After the game, Diop was delirious. He said his teams's victory is a victory not only for Senegal but for all of Africa. Injured French star Zinedine Zidane, the hero of the 19-98 championship, was sidelined with a torn thigh muscle. The French shots hit the posts and crossbar, or went directly at goalkeeper Tony Sylva. Most Korean fans cheered underdog Senegal, whose goal was greeted with loud applause, even during replays.
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