In at the deep end

Senegal to make World Cup debut against France

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- Senegal's World Cup debut won't be easy, but playing defending champion France in the tournament opener should help the Dakar Lions get some needed experience at soccer's grandest stage.

The Senegalese, who also play Denmark and two-time winner Uruguay in Group A, may not be favored to win the tournament, but they won't be bullied either -- just ask African powerhouse Nigeria.

Senegal eliminated the Super Eagles from the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations earlier this year and lost to defending champion Cameroon on penalty kicks.

"It's a great team," Senegal striker Mamadou Niang said.

Still regarded as international novices, Senegal has many players with experience at European clubs -- mostly in France.

Ironically, Senegal's most famous soccer son -- Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira -- will be lining up on the opposite on May 31 for France, his adopted country.

French coach Bruno Metsu, appointed in October, is credited with bringing together a set of players who had previously seemed reluctant to play for the national team.

Qualifying for the second round would seem a huge task, but the team has loads of potential.

The top players are El Hadj Diouf of France's Lens and Soulayamane Camara of Monaco. Others to watch include the speedy Henri Camara and Salif Diallo of Sedan and Pape Bouna Thiaw of Strasbourg. Pape Bouba Diop of Lens and Sylvain Ndiaye of Lille are also likely to make the team.

Inconsistency is seen as Senegal's biggest threat.

Captain Khalilou Fadiga gives the coaching staff the biggest headache. Despite fine performances at the club level for French club Auxerre, he seems unable to carry that form to the international level.

Many Senegalese fans are clamoring for Fadiga's removal from the team and want him to be replaced by Cheikh Gadiaga of Belgium's Lierse.

Senegal's defense -- especially the central axis held by Lamin Diatta of Rennes and Aliou Cisse of Montpellier -- often doesn't perform up to standard. Luckily, though, the team boasts one of Africa's best goalkeepers, Tony Sylva.

One guarantee is that Senegalese fans back home will be relishing every moment of the country's first ever World Cup.

Fans filled the streets of Dakar beating drums and waving flags last year when Senegal secured a spot in finals after finishing on top of a tough group that also included Algeria, Namibia, Egypt and Morocco.

President Abdoulaye Wade even cut short a European trip to welcome the team home.

 

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