Bruno Metsu, the Frenchman who coached Senegal in a remarkable run to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals, has died. He was 59.
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Lille, for whom Metsu played from 1979-81 and coached in 1992-93, did not give a cause of death, but media reports said he died early Tuesday following a battle with cancer.
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"It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Bruno Metsu," Lille said. "Lille, its president Michel Seydoux, and all the players and staff at the club, as well as the fans, offer their sincere condolences to his loved ones."
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Metsu's most memorable achievement as a coach came at the 2002 World Cup, where his Senegal team beat defending champion France 1-0 on its tournament debut, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
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The West African team, in what remains its only appearance at the tournament, went on to beat Sweden to reach the quarterfinals before losing to Turkey, becoming only the second African team to reach the last eight at the World Cup.
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Reflecting the great affection Senegalese people had for Metsu, the country's president, Macky Sall, offered condolences to his family and said the Frenchman with his unmistakable long, wavy hair helped to write "the most beautiful pages" so far in Senegal football history.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace!
Very sad news for the whole of Senegal.
R.I.P