The 2002 World Cup kicked off in Seoul with a result that will go down as one of the greatest upsets in the World Cup history. Senegal, a World Cup debutant and a 300-1 shot to lift the trophy,
beat title holder France, 1-0. After nearly a half hour of play, El Hadji Diouf beat French defender Frank Lebouf on the left wing. His low pass met teammate Pape Bouba Diop and France's
Emmanuel Petit, who both got a touch on the ball, which deflected off keeper Fabian Barthez. While on the ground, Diop kicked the ball into the open net from inside the goal area. French strikers
David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry both shot against the woodwork, but Senegal held on for a victory that set off wild celebrations in Senegal and the rest of West Africa. Senegal, like much of West
Africa, is a former French colony. It gained independence in 1960. The government canceled school on Friday, announcing that no one was expected to study. Group A Result: May 31 in Seoul Senegal
1 France 0. Goal: Diop 29. Senegal -- Sylva, Daf, Diatta, A.Cisse, Coly, Diop, Fadiga, Diao, Diop, Ndiaye, Diouf. France -- Barthez, Thuram, Desailly, Leboeuf, Lizarazu, Vieira, Petit, Djorkaeff
(Dugarry, 58), Wiltord (D.Cisse, 80), Trezeguet, Henry. Referee: Ali Mohamed Bujsaim (UAE).
