Seoul, 31 May 2002. The opening match of the World Cup, and France, the defending champions, were starting the defence of their title against Senegal.
On paper it was a mismatch. France had won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 and arrived as overwhelming favourites. Senegal had never played at a World Cup before.
In the 30th minute the French defence got itself into a mix-up and Papa Bouba Diop scored. Senegal held on for the rest of the match, and the Lions of Teranga had pulled off one of the biggest shocks the tournament has produced. Diop's celebration, dancing around his shirt, is one of football's most joyful images.
What happened to France after the Senegal defeat?
They never recovered. France finished the 2002 World Cup without winning a single match and went out in the group stage, the reigning world and European champions sent home early.
Senegal, meanwhile, kept going. They reached the quarter-finals in their first ever World Cup.
Why the Senegal win ranks at number 13
- Senegal were debutants; France held both the world and European titles
- it happened in the opening match, with the whole world watching
- France did not win another game at the tournament
- Senegal went all the way to the quarter-finals
It remains one of the most shocking opening matches in World Cup history: African newcomers beating the champions of the world and of Europe in the very first game. For African football it was another moment of genuine pride, and for France a very long summer.
Tomorrow: number 12.
