10 Biggest World Cup Upsets Of All Time
6. Senegal 1 - 0 France (2002)
One of the most infamous games in the history of the French national team, which saw a side that included Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, and Emmanuel Petit facing the fourth lowest ranked team in the tournament according to ELO rankings.
The French were in fine form going into the tournament, having shocked Brazil en-route to winning the 1998 World Cup on home soil, before also winning Euro 2000. The Senegalese were in no mood to be bowled over, however, and a goal from future Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop put the underdogs in the lead.
France were clearly suffering from the absence of talisman Zinedine Zidane through injury and ultimately failed to overcome the deficit. Another Senegal player who would eventually leave a mark on English football was the polarising forward El Hadji Diouf, who had an excellent game, constantly frustrating the experienced French defensive line.
Clearly shook from the defeat, France never returned to form and went out of the tournament without winning. Senegal, however, exceeded all expectations by not only topping the group but going on to reach the quarterfinals.