France remembers 2002: Lions of Teranga want to sink their teeth into Les Bleus again after 24 years

When France arrived at the 2002 World Cup as reigning champions, expectations were sky-high. Les Bleus had conquered the world on home soil in 1998 and followed it up by winning Euro 2000, making them one of the most feared teams in international football.

Drawn alongside Senegal, Denmark and Uruguay, the French were expected to cruise through the group stage. Their first opponents, Senegal, were making their World Cup debut and appeared to be little more than a warm-up assignment on paper.

Instead, they produced one of the tournament's greatest upsets.

A solitary goal from Papa Bouba Diop secured a famous 1-0 victory for the African side in Seoul, stunning the football world and immediately putting France under pressure. The shock result set the tone for a disastrous campaign for the holders, who failed to win a single match and crashed out at the bottom of the group. Senegal, meanwhile, rode the momentum all the way to the quarter-finals.

More than two decades later, the two nations meet again on football's biggest stage.

Senegal have become regular World Cup participants, reaching the knockout rounds in Qatar four years ago. That tournament also saw them make unwanted history as the first team ever eliminated through the fair play tiebreaker after finishing level with Japan but collecting more yellow cards.

France once again arrive among the leading contenders for the trophy, while Senegal enter the competition after a turbulent period. The Lions of Teranga lifted the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, only to later lose the title under controversial circumstances, with an appeal currently ongoing.

The Senegalese squad boasts plenty of attacking quality. Sadio Mane remains the headline name, while Premier League stars Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye provide additional firepower. However, matching up against France's star-studded frontline is a daunting challenge.

Didier Deschamps can call upon an array of elite attacking talent led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. On paper, it is one of the most dangerous forward lines at the tournament.

France also head into the contest with a clean bill of health. William Saliba has returned to full training after overcoming a recurring back problem, giving Deschamps another important option in defence.

For Mbappe, this will be a third World Cup appearance and a second as captain. The Real Madrid forward enjoyed another prolific season, scoring 42 goals, although silverware once again eluded him.

Alongside him are two players coming off outstanding campaigns. Olise has continued his rise with Bayern Munich, while Dembele arrives as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner after an exceptional year at club level.

Senegal's biggest hope lies in their ability to threaten on the counterattack. Sarr and Ndiaye possess the pace and creativity to test any defence, while Nicolas Jackson is expected to spearhead the attack after spending much of the season playing behind Harry Kane at Bayern Munich.

In midfield, veteran Idrissa Gana Gueye remains a crucial figure despite being 36 years old, while Pape Matar Sarr will be eager to bounce back from a frustrating campaign with Tottenham.

History shows Senegal are more than capable of upsetting the odds against France. The question is whether they can recreate the magic of 2002.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

First round

Tuesday 16.06.

Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)

/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/

Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)

/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/

22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)

***odds are subject to change***