France head coach Didier Deschamps has brushed aside suggestions that his side are seeking revenge for their infamous defeat to Senegal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, insisting that Tuesday’s meeting is about the present rather than the past.
The two nations meet again on football’s biggest stage 24 years after Senegal stunned the reigning world champions 1-0 in Seoul. Papa Bouba Diop’s historic winner remains one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history and helped condemn France to a shock group-stage exit.
However, Deschamps, who captained France to World Cup glory in 1998 but had retired before the 2002 tournament, believes the events of that match have little relevance to the current generation.
“People like to talk about revenge, but there is no revenge in football,” Deschamps told reporters on Monday ahead of the match. “That was 24 years ago and we have another page to write now.”
He noted that many members of his squad were either very young or not yet born when Senegal shocked the world, adding that his focus is solely on ensuring France make a positive start to their campaign.
Deschamps was also quick to praise the remarkable rise of Senegalese football over the past two decades. The Teranga Lions have established themselves as one of Africa’s leading forces, producing stars such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Édouard Mendy, while claiming continental success in recent years.
“Senegal are one of the best teams in Africa and among the strongest teams in the world,” he said. “They have top players at major clubs, quality throughout the pitch, outstanding athleticism and technical ability.”
