MEMORIES OF SEOUL
There are matches that happened a long time ago, but just putting two names together instantly brings back memories. France vs. Senegal is one such match.
On May 31, 2002, in Seoul, France entered the World Cup in an almost unbeatable position. They were the reigning world champions, the European champions, and a team boasting a golden generation with Zidane, Henry, Trezeguet, Vieira, Thuram, Desailly, Barthez…
What about Senegal?
It was their first time at the World Cup. An African team, led by coach Bruno Metsu, stepped onto the opening pitch as newcomers. They had no historical glory, no trophies to rely on, and no pressure to win in order to defend their title.
But the ball doesn't ask you who you were before it starts rolling. It only asks you what you can do in 90 minutes.
And in those 90 minutes, Papa Bouba Diop scored, Senegal won 1-0, and the whole world witnessed for the first time the French king stumble right at the first door.
THE KING DIDN'T SCORE A GOAL
The defeat to Senegal wasn't France's only setback at the 2002 World Cup. It was just the first shot.
France then drew 0-0 with Uruguay, followed by a 0-2 defeat to Denmark. The defending champions were eliminated from the tournament in the group stage without scoring a single goal.
A team with players like Henry, Trezeguet, Cisse, Wiltord, Djorkaeff… left the World Cup with zero goals. Without witnessing it, many might find that illogical.
But sports don't operate based on reputation.
A team may be very strong on paper, beautiful in memory, and glamorous in the media, but when the body is tired, when the most important star is not in top form, and when opponents no longer look at them with fear, everything can collapse very quickly.
The 2002 World Cup was therefore not just a failure for France. It was also a reminder that yesterday's glory does not automatically translate into today's power.
OLD PRIVILEGES AND NEW LAWS
There's an interesting detail.
For many years, the reigning World Cup champion was automatically qualified for the next World Cup. It was a privilege of the throne. Having won the world, they didn't need to go through the qualifying rounds like the rest.
France in 2002 was one of the teams that enjoyed that privilege.
To be precise about the timing, FIFA's decision to abolish the wildcard for the champion was made in late 2001, before the 2002 World Cup. But strangely enough, just a few months later, France provided a near-perfect illustration of that decision.
A champion team that didn't play in the qualifying rounds, entered the tournament with a huge reputation, only to be eliminated in the group stage.
From the 2006 World Cup onwards, even the champions had to play in the qualifying rounds. There was no longer a special path to the throne. No more automatic qualification simply because you had once stood at the top of the world.
And if you look at it from a broader perspective, it's a very football-oriented decision.
Because football shouldn't live on memories for too long. Strong teams must prove they're still strong. Champions must prove they still deserve to be around. History can earn a team respect, but it can't play for them in the present.
IT'S SENEGAL AGAIN
Twenty-four years later, France met Senegal again in the World Cup.
African football is different. Senegal is different. They no longer need a win against France to be recognized as a phenomenon. They have had generations of players playing in Europe, they have proven themselves in major tournaments, and they have established their own place on the world football map.
France is the same.
Les Bleus may no longer be the champions of 2002, but they remain a major force in world football. They have squad depth, star players capable of deciding matches, and the experience of a team that has lived for many years under the pressure of competing for titles.
But perhaps that's precisely why this meeting is worth watching.
It's worth watching because France vs Senegal reminds us that the World Cup always has a place for memories. There, a group stage match can be more than just about three points. It's also an echo of past summers, of fallen kings, of newcomers who once taught the world to respect them again.
Source: https://danviet.vn/phap-senegal-va-hoi-uc-2002-d1435603.html
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