YOKOHAMA, Japan — France no longer rules the soccer universe. Put it down near the bottom with Saudi Arabia, Slovenia and China, all eliminated in the first round of the World Cup.

        France has another ignominious statistic: Like the Saudis and Chinese, it didn't score in the tournament.

        The defending champions needed to beat Denmark by two goals Tuesday to reach the World Cup's second round. Instead, the Danes won 2-0 in Incheon, South Korea, and Les Bleus became the first champions to go scoreless through a first round. They're also the first defending titlist to exit after the opening round since Brazil in 1966.

        “I didn't expect to go back home like that after the first round,” said France's star midfielder, Zinedine Zidane. “We're all very, very disappointed, but we won't stop here. We will have to turn the page, turn over a new leaf.”

        With Zidane, the 1998 World Cup hero, on the sideline with a thigh injury, France opened with a stunning 1-0 loss to Senegal and then tied Uruguay 0-0. Zidane returned for the Denmark game, but nothing helped the French, who saw two shots rebound off the crossbar.

        The Danes got goals from Dennis Rommedahl in the 22nd minute and Jon Dahl Tomasson on a counterattack in the 67th. Those were their only shots on goal.

        “We had a good day,” Denmark coach Morten Olsen said. “The team played with a lot of confidence and, especially, a lot of discipline.”

        Back in Paris, some reactions to the French loss were strong.

        “I'm disgusted. They are the defending champions, and for four years they bragged and did nothing,” said architect Alain Goust, 32, as he held a French flag — which he wasn't waving. “When they arrive back at the Champs Elysees, they're going to have tomatoes thrown at them.”

        In the day's other games, Senegal tied Uruguay 3-3, Germany downed Cameroon 2-0, and Ireland blitzed Saudi Arabia 3-0.

Sports Stories

Shaq holding the broom this time Martin vows Nets won't quit Speedway expects sellout for Busch race Tiger's up for another Open test Goosen's a grateful Open champ U.S. Open Notebook U.S. Open tee times Poland out to stop U.S. advance 'Les Bleus' red in face at World Cup Hasek may soon hoist Cup Williams won't fight until fall Father-son tourney starts today at Lunken Coming up this week

Reds 8, Rangers 5
Reds Box, Runs
Dunn rewards relatives, friends
Improving Larson hopes he's part of Reds' plans
Riedling ready to contribute
Reds Notebook: Griffey could start today
Cardinals 7, Mariners 4
Pirates 7, Angels 3
Cubs 9, Astros 5
Athletics 11, Brewers 2
Bengals offer deal to Westbrook
Xavier narrows coaching search