Zidane Will Sit Out Opener

Midfielder Zinedine Zidane, the hero of France’s victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, will sit out Friday’s World Cup opener against Senegal at Seoul.

Zidane injured his left thigh in Sunday’s 3-2 exhibition victory over South Korea, leaving in the 39th minute. He had medical tests Monday.

“The first match, it’s certain that I’ll miss it,” Zidane said. “It’s just a small thing. The scan showed something.”

After the opener, France plays Uruguay on June 6 and finishes the first round against Denmark on June 11.

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Roy Keane appealed to rejoin Ireland’s World Cup team, but offered no apology for his reportedly foul-mouthed tirade against Coach Mick McCarthy at a team meeting last week.

In an interview with Ireland’s state broadcasters RTE, Keane remained largely defiant when asked repeatedly to swallow his pride and apologize.

Team officials said Keane’s tirade would ensure his continued exclusion from the team. McCarthy said some players would leave the squad if Keane was allowed back.

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Argentine players reacted angrily to Japan’s refusal to allow Diego Maradona into the country for the World Cup, and criticized FIFA’s refusal to allow the retirement of the former Argentine captain’s No. 10 shirt.

Japan refused Maradona a visa because of his history of drug abuse.

FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, said Sunday it would not allow Argentina to withdraw his number.

Forward Ariel Ortega will wear the No. 10 jersey.