Soccer: Shock Senegal win just the first step

SEOUL - Senegal may have pulled off one of the greatest cup shocks with their 1-0 defeat of world champions France, but coach Bruno Metsu promised that his players would stay focused on their next matches.

"We have a side made of warriors and we have proved it," French-born Metsu said after the stunning success in Seoul.

"Beating France was outstanding, but we are not going to lose our minds.

"We have two more games and we have the opportunity to go through to the second round.

"Winning the first match was only a step and our main goal has always been to go as far as we could.

"We have dreamed about this victory. We have prepared for it and we have achieved it."

The Senegalese, who are taking part in their first finals, clinched victory with a 30th-minute goal by Pape Bouba Diop.

But their solid defensive performance with a five-strong midfield was the foundation of their win as the likes of top international marksmen Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, Sylvain Wiltord and Djibril Cisse failed to break them down.

"We are now on the right tracks and we already have our minds set on the next match against Denmark [on Thursday]," Metsu said. "Beating France is just one step."

Metsu said the players did not spend too much time celebrating their victory.

"We are not here to enjoy ourselves. Some have their wives at the hotel and the others have just watched on television, zapping from one channel to the other.

"It's amazing. Senegal were everywhere, on the BBC, on CNN, just everywhere. It's a bit hard to realise how all the world was interested in us. I would never imagine that a victory could have so great an impact."

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles