Diouf dreamig of an upset

El Hadji Diouf, Senegal’s sought-after striker, has a shock win over holders France at the top of his shopping list ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup opener in Seoul.

Diouf dares to dream that history can repeat itself with an African nation beating the world champions in a tournament opener, just as Cameroon did against Argentina 12 years ago.

And the Lens frontman, African Footballer of the Year and a target of several top European clubs, poses the greatest danger to a France side lacking the inspirational Zinedine Zidane.

‘‘We are not the best team but we have a team which can do a lot. Perhaps we can cause a surprise,’’ ventured Diouf as he looked ahead to the Group A clash.

Should Diouf shine against France his reputation will soar to new heights but such thoughts, he insists, are far from his mind.

‘‘Here I am playing for Senegal. I am not thinking about clubs. Here our goal is to go as far as possible. After the World Cup we decide on other things.’’

Senegal’s French coach Bruno Metsu quickly decided he was not going to discuss the plight of midfielder Khalilou Fadiga, who has been placed under investigation on suspicion of stealing a gold necklace in Daegu.

Fadiga is expected to play in Senegal’s World Cup debut but, after his squad had trained at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium, Metsu said: ‘‘We are here to talk about football. Nothing else interests us.’’

And skipper Aliou Cisse added: ‘‘The atmosphere in our camp is good.’’

Most of his squad play in France, but Metsu was in mood to talk up the chances of his underdogs.

‘‘It’s a great honour to be here but they are world champions and they have the best players in the world in their positions,’’ said Metsu.

‘‘We hope to get in their way a bit and will try our best.’’

Metsu may not be ready to predict a huge shock that would get the tournament off to a dramatic start but he is also adamant that his west African underdogs have not come to the World Cup to make up the numbers.

‘‘We are not just going to be content to be here,’’ he warned. ‘‘We are not on holiday. We want to try to get to the second round. It would be a great achievement.’’

Senegal surprised a few by topping an African qualifying group containing Morocco, Algeria and Egypt to reach the finals.

Might they have one more huge surprise up their sleeves?