Kick Off!

France vs SenegalOpening match, 2.30pmSEOUL - Senegal refused to let an allegation of a jewellery theft by one of their players spoil Thursday’s final dress rehearsal for the biggest night in their soccer history — a World Cup debut against champions France today.The Senegalese camp was hit by news on Wednesday that their midfielder Khalilou Fadiga had been placed under investigation on suspicion of stealing a gold necklace in Taegu, one of the World Cup venues.But after his squad trained on a slightly damp pitch at the Seoul World Cup stadium — the venue for today’s opening game against the French in group A, coach Bruno Metsu said: “We are here to talk about football. Nothing else interests us.”Metsu was cautious not to talk about his side's tactics. Senegal’s coach is French and every member of the team’s starting line-up for the Group A match plays club football in the French first division.Senegal could not have picked a more glamorous game for their World Cup debut. But since almost all of the squad from the French-speaking West African country, earn their living in France, they are not entering totally unknown territory.According to weather forecasters, the World Cup will kick off in cloudy weather with a thin chance of rain. The Senegalese got used to the conditions when they trained in drizzle and cool temperatures.El Hadji Diouf, the Lens striker who is on the shopping list of several leading European clubs, said his team had the talent to cause a few surprises in the tournament.“We will enjoy ourselves, “ he said. “We are not the best team but we have a team which can do a lot. Perhaps we can cause a surprise.”Tense anticipation is building in the West African country.Playing in French colours will be Patrick Vieira, who was born in Senegal in 1972 but grew up in France. His grandparents will be among the few in Senegal not rooting for the home side.ReuterEnds