Senegal's Teranga Lions Upset Sweden, Advance to Quarterfinals

The demise of Sweden at the hands (and teeth) of the Lions is confirmation that Senegal's presence here is not a matter of chance. The Senegalese, African Cup of Nations finalists, have put together a solid team made of young men who went to Korea/Japan to have fun and to enjoy themselves on the field. And this has translated into the Senegalese becoming the unexpected heroes of World Cup 2002.

Heroes that are now carrying the hopes of a whole continent. As a matter of fact, many on the African continent are already seeing Senegal beating Japan (if Japan goes past Turkey this Tuesday, June 18) to become the first African team to ever reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. Such hopes are not far-fetched as the task of the Lions may become even easier if Turkey upsets Japan on Tuesday as Turkey would be an easier team to beat.

For now, an air of "Africa time" is circulating all over the African continent and the people are happy, feasting, dancing, jubilating. As President Wade of Senegal himself said earlier today, the Senegalese team has played for Senegal; now it's going to play for Africa.

Therefore, win or lose, Senegal already has its name out there in history among the greatest. And when the Lions play in Osaka, Japan on Saturday, June 22 to attempt to make history once again, the whole African continent will be there with them.