Didier Deschamps Says France Face Senegal With No Revenge — Telemundo World Cup

France arrived in New York/New Jersey for its opening match against Senegal at the telemundo world cup. The game pulls in a 2002 reference point that Deschamps does not want turned into a revenge script. It is the first test in a tournament being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Deschamps in New York/New Jersey

Didier Deschamps kept the focus on the present, even with Senegal’s upset of the then World Cup holders in the opening game of the 2002 edition still hanging over the matchup. Asked about that result, he said, "I know you like this revenge but there is no revenge in football."

He added, "This will be another story to write." France’s coach then set the tone for the week ahead: "We will do what we can to make sure the result is positive for us this time."

Senegal And France History

The 2002 result is what gives this opening match its edge. Senegal beat the holders in the tournament’s first game that year, and this meeting arrives 24 years later with France back at the same stage and trying to start clean.

Deschamps did not frame Senegal as a convenient opener. He said, "We have respect for everyone," then singled them out further: "Senegal are one of the best African countries and one of the best in the world so we know what to expect from this first game."

France’s First Test

That sets a clear expectation for France’s opening 24 hours in the tournament build-up. The team is already in New York/New Jersey, and the first match against Senegal will be judged against both the current campaign and the memory of 2002.

For France, the practical next step is straightforward: turn the arrival into a result. Deschamps has already drawn the line on the storyline he wants, and the opening game now has to answer it on the field.