Qatar 2022: Unlucky Tunisia Defeats France And Exits On A High

Africa has recorded its first casualty in this year’s World Cup. The Carthage Eagles managed a 1-0 victory over World Cup holders France but bowed out of the competition due to results elsewhere, as Australia piped Denmark 1-0.

French coach Didier Deschamp made an astonishing 9 changes to the team that defeated Denmark two-nil on match day 2 of the competition.

Tunisia started out the better side, taking advantage of the French players that were rested.

7 minutes on, big center defender Ghandri scored from a sumptuous ball by Kazhri but the flag was up to cut – short Tunisia’s joy.

Tunisia looked to build their game more and more on set plays with yet another shot on target from Al Ahly man, Ali Malloul who shaped the ball directly into the hands of Mandanda at the 14th minute. None of his teammates anticipated the cross.

France waited until the 24th minute to have a first clear cut chance when a defense splitting pass from Cavaminga, (used as an auxiliary left back) – met Bayern star Coman whose left footed attempt went wide.

With 10 minutes to the end of the first half, Tunisian skipper Kazhri pounced on a poor attempt of a clearance from Varane and his volley was only just parried out by Mandanda, who was called more times to action than Dahmen – in the opposite end.

There was a big shout for a penalty upon resumption in the second half from Tunisia. Kazhri went down under a tackle of Tchouameni but the referee waved play on.

Aïssa Aidouni would have put the North Africans ahead at the 54th minute after he scrambled the ball off Fofana. It was not meant to be though, with the Tunisian midfeilder having opted for glory and blasted over, when he had over 3 white shirts waiting in the middle.

Didier Deschamp brought on Griezman, Saliba, Mbappe, Rabiot and Dembele to try and take control of the game out of Tunisia’s control.

Despite the changes, goalkeeper Dahmen kept things in order, pushing out Dembele’s 79th and 81st minute attempts on target.

Tunisia defended deeper but an inspirational Dahmen kept out Mbappe’s 87th minute shot just before Kolo Muani’s strike was deflected out for a French corner.

Antoine Griezman had the ball in the net at the last minute of added on time but it was ruled off by VAR. The technology adjudged that there was a foul on Talbi in the process leading to the goal.

At the end, France however qualify as top of group D on goals difference despite being level on points with Australia who defeated Denmark 1-0. The journey in Tunisia’s 6th World Cup appearance is ended, but the men of Jalel Kadri gave a good account of themselves ending with four points; 1 win, 1 draw and a defeat.