Lemerre: We're not finished yet

Stunned France coach Roger Lemerre could only salute Senegal after the team dubbed France's reserves beat them 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup finals.

Papa Diop's scrambled goal in the 30th minute was enough to beat the holders in their Group A game.

"It's a big big performance for Senegal. They used good tactics and they played very well," said Lemerre.

"But we cannot say, after this result, that the future of the French team (in their group) is finished.

"Nothing is ruined. There are two more games to play (Uruguay and Denmark). If by chance we won those two matches, we'd be in the round of 16.

"They were well-organised with a five-man midfield. When a team are well-grouped together, you need speed and spontaneity.

"We were not able to cut through their defensive net. They had one counter-attack and they scored. That's football, but we would have liked a happier start.

"In this kind of match, when a team know what they have to do, it's hard. They did not miss the target.

"It's hard on us but it's up to us to deal better with that type of situation."