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Just celebrate
The colony beat its former conqueror as the first World Cup in Asia opened with a historic upset. Making its first appearance in soccer's showcase event, the West African nation of Senegal defeated defending champion France 1-0 on a 30th-minute goal by Papa Bouba Diop . Half a world away in the oceanside capital of Dakar, people ran and danced through the streets, carrying the nation's red, green and yellow flag - a celebration that highlights the enormous impact the World Cup has just about everywhere but in the United States. Senegal coach Bruno Metsu said: "We have realised our dreams. I am very satisfied. It is the result of 18 months of hard work by the entire team. It is a reward for Senegal and its players. We are very happy with this incredible feat." Starting with seven of the 11 players who opened its stirring victory in the 1998 World Cup final over Brazil, France looked slow and old on a cool, damp night at Seoul World Cup Stadium. "There's nothing miraculous about Senegal's win. The team was very well organized," France coach Roger Lemerre said. "I knew that Metsu had cooked up some plan." Diop scored after El Hadji Diouf sped down the left side and turned around defender Frank Leboef, who stumbled. Diouf then crossed in front of the goal and Emmanuel Petit failed to clear it, kicking it off the left arm of goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, another of the stars of '98. Diop was on the ground, almost in a sitting position right in front of the net. He managed to swing out his left leg, whacking the ball into the goal. "It made me very happy. I've always dreamed of this," said Diop, 24, who will be remembered at home for this goal for the rest of his life. Diop took off his jersey, put it on the ground, and teammates formed a circle around it, as if to worship the garment. Then they boogied in an impromptu conga line. "Today's victory is a victory for all of Africa and Senegal," Diop said. "No one expected that Senegal will beat France. But we did." Senegal, which gained independence in 1960, in a way is more French than Les Bleus. Just one French starter plays in his home league, but all 11 of Senegal's starters do. France, frustrated by goalkeeper Tony Sylva and the crossbar and posts, couldn't come up with the tying goal. That will put severe pressure on the French to win their next game, against Uruguay on Thursday. Each team plays three games in the first round, and Senegal next plays Denmark. The top two teams advance. "We take comfort from the fact that nothing's finished," Lemerre said. "There are two more matches to win. If we can win, we'll have six points and we'll be through." Metsu said that for the future games "We're going to keep a strategic level for the future against Denmark and against Uruguay. We have overcome a very big step, but we still have Denmark and Uruguay in front of us. If we lose the next games, this win will be meaningless. The players are very encouraged and they know they can go further. We have to confirm this victory by winning the match with Denmark."
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