Soccer: Senegal return home to heroes' welcome

Senegal returned to a heroes' welcome yesterday after getting as far as any African team have ever done in the World Cup soccer tournament before being knocked out by Turkey in the quarterfinals.

President Abdoulaye Wade and all his ministers greeted the players at Dakar airport along with several thousand cheering supporters. More draped in red, gold and green Senegalese flags lined the street to the airport.

"I'm here to show how grateful we are," said Abdoulaye Diouf, a fan at the airport. "To make it to the quarterfinals was not bad at all."

After surprising African nations by even qualifying for the finals in South Korea and Japan, Senegal defied all expectations by downing champions and former colonial masters France 1-0 in the opening game of the tournament.

They followed that with draws against Denmark and Uruguay and a second-round victory over Sweden, winning the hearts of the continent and many fans outside Africa with their fluid displays and relaxed attitude off the pitch.

Senegal were only the second African team to reach the last eight and it was the first appearance by the "Lions of Teranga" in the finals.

Cameroon reached the quarterfinals in 1990 but were eliminated in the first round this time along with Africa's other hopes - Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia.

- REUTERS

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