Senegal Upsets France in Inaugural Match

Senegal stunned France to open the historic 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan on Friday, marking the first time a tournament rookie has beaten the defending champion in the opening round.

The Senegalese side employed steady defense and took advantage of their opportunities to beat the French 1-0 in Seoul, South Korea. Striker Papa Bouba Diop took a deflection off French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and defender Emmanuel Petit and popped a cross from teammate Frank Leboeuf into the back of the net as he fell on his back. France, playing without star Zinedine Zidane never recovered from the goal in the 30th minute.

Two possible goals from French strikers David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry both hit the goalposts, symbolic of the kind of day had by France, which otherwise controlled the game.

Senegal became just the second team to beat the previous World Cup champs in the inaugural game. The last was Cameroon, which beat Argentina in 1990.

The game provided a sensational start to the first World Cup of the 21st century, which celebrates a number of firsts. This World Cup marks the first time the tournament is held in Asia and the first time two countries, and traditional enemies, play host.

Signs of peace

Reconciliation was the theme at the $8 million World Cup opening ceremonies in Seoul’s brand new stadium. South Korean President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kim Dae Jung touched on themes of harmony in his opening remarks.

"Thorough these football matches, humanity will become one, transcending racial, cultural, ideological and religious differences," he said.

More than 2,300 performers took part in an opening ceremony that wove South Korea’s high-tech saavyness with 5,000 years of cultural tradition.

Huge banners descended from the rafters of the brand-new stadium and covered the field in white. A high bell rose from the center of the field and was sounded in a sign of peace.

The Japanese and South Korean flags were brought together in the center of the stadium in an additional symbol of peace. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also addressed the stadium by television, following Kim's speech.

Security lock-down

Security, as expected, was tight at the opening ceremonies. South Korea alone has deployed more than 420,000 policemen for the month-long event to prevent terrorist or hooligan attacks.

There were no reports of security problems during the opening ceremonies or game. Fans caused the only disturbance when some of them booed a speech by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who won a controversial re-election to head the soccer body last week.

Germany opens its World Cup campaign tomorrow in Sapporo, Japan against Saudia Arabia. DW-WORLD will bring you live play-by-play coverage of the game and a round-up of the day's action.