SENEGOAL!

France 0 Senegal 1SEOUL - Holders France crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat against African debutants Senegal as the World Cup kicked off with one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s 72-year history here Friday. Senegal, fielding a side made up entirely of France-based players, secured the stunning win thanks to a 30th-minute goal from midfielder Pape Bouba Diop in the Group A clash. But it was a desperate night for France, who struggled to produce their normal free-flowing game in the absence of injured star playmaker Zinedine Zidane. Shellshocked French coach Roger Lemerre, who could now face an uphill battle to make it out of the group with matches against Uruguay and Denmark to come, was gracious in defeat, praising Senegal’s defence. “They were well organised at the back and we couldn’t break them down,” Lemerre said. “They had a counter attack and they scored. That’s what can happen in these games. “But it’s not all over for us. There are two matches to go and we can go though with six points. But we still have it all to do.” Delighted Senegal coach Bruno Metsu said he would try to keep his team’s feet on the ground in the wake of the win. “We had some luck today we are very very happy with this,” he said. “It’s like a dream - not a miracle though. “We are past one step but there are two games to come. We have to confirm this result and again play at this level against Denmark and Uruguay. “It is the biggest moment ever for our team and a big moment for the World Cup. This is a big encouragement for all coaches who like me have had difficulties in their career.” Senegal goal hero Bouba Diop admitted he had been delighted to score against the French, joint tournament favourites to lift the tournament. “It gave me great pleasure to score the goal and beat the world champions,” he said. StatisticsFrance Senegal15 Shots 69 Shots on goal 518 Fouls 2210 Corner kicks 02 Free kicks 00 Penalty kicks 0 2 Offsides 110 Own goals 01 Yellow cards 1 0 Red cards 0 60% Ball possession 40% 33 Actual playing time 22 Attendance: 62,561 P W D L F A PtsSenegal 1 1 0 0 1 0 3Denmark 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Uruguay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0France 1 0 0 1 0 1 0.Ends