Who Scored Senegal's Winning Goal Against France in 2002

What was the final score of the opening match between France and Senegal in the 2002 FIFA World Cup?

The match ended 1-0 in favor of Senegal. Many casual observers assume that France was missing key players like Zinedine Zidane due to injury, but he was indeed the only major absentee from the starting lineup that day. While his absence was a massive talking point, France still fielded a squad packed with stars from top European clubs. The result wasn't just a product of individual absences; it was a tactical masterclass by the Senegalese side that neutralized the French attack for the full 90 minutes.

In which stadium did the 2002 World Cup opening match take place?

The opening match was hosted at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea.

• Capacity: The venue held approximately 64,000 spectators for the tournament opener.
• Design: The stadium's roof structure was inspired by a traditional Korean kite, reflecting local cultural aesthetics.
• Location: Situated in the Mapo-gu district, it served as the primary hub for the tournament's initial festivities.
• Surface: The pitch was a high-quality natural grass surface that held up well despite the intensity of the opening encounter.

How did the result of the 2002 opening match affect France's standing in the tournament?

France’s defeat set a disastrous tone for their campaign, as they failed to score a single goal in their three group matches. This result left the defending champions in a precarious position, eventually finishing at the bottom of Group A with only one point from a draw against Uruguay. The shock of the opening loss seemed to shatter their confidence, preventing them from regaining the form that had led them to victory in 1998.

One concrete example of this collapse was their final group game against Denmark, where they lost 2-0 and were eliminated early. A nuance to this narrative is that while the loss to Senegal was the catalyst, the team was also suffering from internal fatigue and a lack of creative spark in midfield. The early exit remains one of the most surprising flameouts in the history of the competition.

Who was the head coach of the Senegal national team during their 2002 World Cup campaign?

Bruno Metsu served as the head coach for the Senegal national team during their 2002 campaign. The French-born manager was instrumental in building the squad, overseeing a team where 21 of the 23 players were based in the French league system at the time.

What was the significance of Senegal's victory over the defending champions in 2002?

This victory signaled a shift in the global football hierarchy, proving that African teams could compete with and defeat the established European giants on the biggest stage. It brought immense pride to the nation and elevated the profiles of several Senegalese players who subsequently secured moves to top-tier clubs. The match remains a benchmark for underdog success, showing how a disciplined, high-energy approach can overcome superior technical pedigree.

A concrete example of this impact is the career of El Hadji Diouf, who leveraged his performance in this match to earn a high-profile transfer to Liverpool. An exception to the long-term success of this team is that Senegal struggled to replicate this specific level of international dominance in subsequent World Cups, failing to qualify for the next three tournaments after their 2002 run.

How far did Senegal progress in the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament?

Senegal reached the quarter-finals during their debut appearance in the 2002 tournament. They were eventually eliminated by Turkey, who secured a 1-0 victory via a golden goal in the 94th minute of their knockout clash.

Which players were included in the starting lineup for Senegal during the match against France?

The starting eleven for Senegal featured a mix of disciplined defenders and creative attackers who executed their game plan perfectly.

• Goalkeeper: Tony Sylva anchored the defense and kept a clean sheet against the formidable French strikers.
• Defenders: Omar Daf, Pape Malick Diop, Lamine Diatta, and Ferdinand Coly formed a resilient back line.
• Midfielders: Aliou Cissé, Papa Bouba Diop, Khalilou Fadiga, and Moussa N'Diaye controlled the tempo of the match.
• Forwards: El Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao provided the pace and pressure that constantly unsettled the French defense.

What were the key tactical factors that contributed to Senegal's success in the 2002 tournament opener?

Senegal utilized a high-pressing defensive block and rapid counter-attacks to exploit the space left by an aggressive French side.

Compare the possession and corner statistics to see how Senegal prioritized defensive efficiency over sustained attacking pressure to secure the win.