By Daniel Akinte
France and Senegal renew one of the World Cup‘s most memorable rivalries when they meet in their Group I opener at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
The fixture remains etched in football history after Senegal stunned defending champions France 1-0 on their World Cup debut in 2002 through the late Papa Bouba Diop’s iconic winner.
More than two decades later, both nations meet again with hopes of making a strong start in a group that also includes Norway and Iraq.
France arrive in North America among the favourites to lift the trophy and become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
Didier Deschamps’ side cruised through qualification and boasts an attack led by Kylian Mbappé alongside Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué.
Senegal, meanwhile, enter the tournament unbeaten in qualifying and carrying the belief that they can challenge any team on their day.
The Lions of Teranga have, however, endured a less convincing build-up after a 3-2 defeat to the United States and a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
Aliou Cissé’s men will also be without the full backing of their travelling support after visa restrictions prevented many Senegalese fans from making the trip to the United States.
Despite that setback, memories of the famous 2002 upset serve as a reminder that Senegal should never be underestimated on the World Cup stage.
A result for the West Africans would not be as shocking as it once was given the quality and experience within Cissé’s squad.
France will nevertheless start as favourites, with Mbappé expected to once again lead Les Bleus’ charge on football’s biggest stage.
This Tuesday’s encounter promises to be one of the standout matches of the opening round.
Predicted France XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé.
Predicted Senegal XI (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Camara, P. Gueye; Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané; Jackson.