IN their first ever game in the World Cup Senegal beat France 1-0 to ensure the championship opens with a spectacular bang.

The African side were expected to be on the end of a thumping from a French team strongly fancied to retain their title.

But Senegal riped up the form sheet and a 30th minute goal by midfielder Pape Bouba Diop brought back memories of Cameroon's shock victory over Argentina in 1990.

Senegal's speedy striker El Hadji Diouf constantly upset the defensive partnership of Desailly and Leboeuf and it was from one of his runs the goal came.

Diouf sped down the left wing slipping past Leboeuf before pulling the ball back from the dead ball line.

Chelsea's Emmanuel Petit got a toe to the ball only to send it bouncing off Barthez in goal anf Diop pounced to poke the ball home from a yard out.

The Senegal team danced around the corner flag but soon got down to the task of defending their lead.

Despite France twice hitting the woodwork the Senegal keeper Sylva was only called into real action in the last ten minutes.

And Senegal had the chances to extend their lead as they hit the woodwork in the second half and should have made France pay as they counter-attacked to thriling effect.

"It's like a dream," said Senegal coach Bruno Metsu.

"This is encouraging for all coaches who have been through difficulties.

"I have had bad moments in my career, but I am very, very happy."

France 0

Senegal 1 (Papa Bouba Diop 30)

Att: 62,561.