Senegal's success in the World Cup is met with delight across the Africa - but will the continent's teams be able to build on their progress?
Senegal shocked the world with their exuberant and stylish style of play - along with a superb win over 1998 World Champions France.
Bruno Metsu's men arrived in Korea under the shadow of illustrious neighbours Nigeria and Cameroon, but leave as the top team in Africa.
The continent's last quarter-finalists were Roger Milla's Indomitable Lions in 1990 - a Cameroon team that shocked the world with their dynamic football.
But will Africa have to wait another 12 years for their next quarter-finalists, or is this the start of a new era for the continent's footballing fortunes?
This debate is now closed - A selection of your e-mails appear below.
Most African teams are blessed with better skills than their European counterparts. With time and better organisation they will surpass the achievement of the so-called superpowers, like England.
It is very interesting to find out that we have much talent in Africa. It will be easy to build on the success of this World Cup, but only if teams are given resources.
Happiness Chikwanha, Zimbabwe
We came into this World Cup and people thought we were one of the worst teams, but we proved everyone wrong. If we can cause a surprise then any team from Africa can do the same!
Senegal have shined in this World Cup, and are now such a wonderful inspiration not only for Africans but also other underrated countries in the world. I am sure it's not only the Korean and Japanese examples that will build confidence in Asia, but also Senegal's achievements.
Jorge Costa, Senegal
Skills do not lack in Africa, with the right investments of time and money there's no reason in why an African team will not bring home the coveted World Cup in 2006! Well done Senegal!
African teams will shine. It is only a matter of time. Let's just hope that when the African teams do shock the world, sore losers do not complain of "bad referees".
William Ting, Taiwan
Who would have thought that an Asian team (Korea) would make it to the World Cup semis before an African team (I know Italy and Spain have a few things to say about that!). African teams are still under-achieving, given their potential. It seems that they win today, only to break our hearts tomorrow.
I hope this is the start of a new era. I am sure that the Senegalese run at this World Cup will inspire lots of teams. Putting together a championship calibre team is a very expensive venture. It requires governments, federations, players, coaches and fans. Let's get to work, we only have 4 years left...
I reckon that because Senegal caused such an upset football in Africa will improve and this is more than likely to happen again!
Tamrat Yossef, Ethiopian in USA
Of the four African teams in this World Cup, only one managed to make it to the second round, despite all the hype. This made Africa the most unsuccessful continent in the World Cup. Having said that, the style of play must be applauded as it is often much more exciting to watch than many of the drab European clones. My feeling is that 2010 is too soon for an African winner.
Mark, Germany (British Citizen)
Senegal's performance is a sign of things to come. Most of their players are products of the youth development centres that are now present all over the country. Senegal have shown how well an African team can perform with the right kind of organization and the right technical approach. I am sure other African teams will follow suit.
Willie Chopa, Kenya
But for poor refereeing against Uruguay there would have been no African teams advancing to the later stages. Senegal's victory against France was over-rated. It later turned out that beating France was no big deal. Two of their goals against Uruguay were poor refereeing decisions.
African players made well become more prominent but if the only place they play is in Europe this will not enrich the game in their homeland. This is proving to be the demise of South American teams and could well impact African without their teams ever gaining prominence.
I don't want to say much...but please people be warned that in 2010 the World Cup might be staged in Africa where we will see a different ball game. This will be the start of a new era!!
Walter Murray, USA
Mark Mac,South Africa
African teams can win the World Cup only if their skills are polished to match those of Senegal and work to attain a higher mental strength about winning. These are their two main weaknesses.
To Ray Thwaites - Ignorance is bliss eh?
Excuse me but perhaps you should be asking a question like 'Is the geography of power in world football changing?'. Or perhaps 'Have the old power houses of football gone past their sell by date?'
The US equipped themselves very well as did the other CONCACAF teams; Asia (Japan and Korea) have upset a few apple carts, as well as the success of the Africans through Senegal.
All that African teams need is money. Without financial resources there is no way they can compete at the highest level. There are many more Senegal's waiting to happen. Unfortunately some African teams have more interest in the African Nations Cup than the World Cup because in their view the world stage is very expensive. The likes of Nigeria and South Africa will continue to dominate for sometime because of this.
I've heard all this before about the emerging strength of African football starting in the 1970's. The Senegal team is made up entirely of French-based players and, in many cases, French born players! How African are they? Even the coach is French. Pick a side based purely on players based in Senegal and see how far they get...
Alan Atenyi, USA
Ray Thwaites, Australia
Senegal were inspiring, Cameroon too, however the latter were unfortunate. The level of African football will only get better with time. However, Fifa need to help develop these countries infrastructure and offer financial assistance.
Senegal have a young and dynamic team; they will be the powerhouse of African soccer for the next 4-8 years.
Simon Croft, Englishman in Japan
Just wait 2006! We will see more teams from the continent shock the world!!!
Asefa Tolessa Dano, Ethiopia
You couldn't have said it better Vince! We haven't got to that stage yet. Senegal were inspiring but not Cameroon, Nigeria or Tunisia. Cameroon left me snoring, lets not even talk about Tunisia, and Nigeria were just as bad. Although my South African brothers did get me excited.
It's too early to say we can win. Maybe this is our wake-up call. I don't think it was because our players were too young it was because they were to naive.
We must develop our local leagues. If there is anybody in the world who is more hungry for success it would be the local players. Until that happens - I hate for me and Vince to be the only down to earth ones - we will never bring a World Cup home.
Zeda, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Sorry guys but I have heard this all before. The African breakthrough that was meant to happen with Algeria in 82, Cameroon in 90, Nigeria 94 and now Senegal is still not there. One team through to second stage out of five is not a threat to the world order.
Let's wait and see. The same was said about Cameroon and Nigeria but both have failed outside of Africa lately. It would be nice to see Senegal back at the next World Cup with the same heart and display they showed in this time round. they have a talented team, if they stick together again, they will be Africa's promise! Let's just hope they can keep Bruno Metsu!