Doha: The match between defending champions France and Tunisia in the third round of Group D of the Qatar World Cup was goalless after the first half. France tried several times in front of goal but Tunisia failed to score.
All Tunisian advances were met by the French defences. In the first half, France were ahead in possession and passing, but there weren’t many moves that looked like goals. Meanwhile, Tunisia continued to attack the French gate. Tunisia scored two shots on goal. However, there was nothing in France’s account.
The French army, which had already received a ticket for the pre-quarters, took the field against Tunisia putting prominent players on the bench. Superstar Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, Dembele and others who played against Denmark were not included in the eleven. Victory was inevitable and Tunisia fielded the first eleven. Tunisia scored in the eighth minute but the referee raised the offside flag.
Wahbi Khasri’s free kick from the left corner of the post was beautifully headed home by Nader Gundry. Subsequently, Tunisian players and fans died in celebration. The offside that followed was a sudden disappointment. Great progress by France in the 25th minute. Youssef Fofana advanced into the Tunisian box and passed the ball to Kingsley Coman but he failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
The second shot of the player who failed to connect the ball correctly on the first attempt went off the post. In the 30th minute, Anis Ben Slimane headed Issa Laidouni’s cross from the left wing of the post, but it went straight into the hands of the France goalkeeper.
In the 35th minute, a brilliant half-volley by Khasri from 35 meters from the post sent France wide. Tunisia lost a golden opportunity in the 42nd minute. It’s not enough to beat France in the match, the result of Australia-Denmark will also determine Tunisia’s chances in the pre-quarter.
Squad: Coman, Kolo Muani, Guwendoussi, Veretout, Fofana, Chouyameni, Kamavinga, Konete, Varane (captain), Disasi, Steve Mandanda.
Tunisian team: Ayman Dahmen, Yassin Meriah, Nader Ghandry, Ali Maloul, Issa Laidouni, Ilyas Sakri, Wajidi Kechrida, Wahbi Khasri (captain), Mohamed Ali Ben Romdane, Anis Slimane.
France currently top Group D with six points. Australia is second with three points. Denmark and Tunisia are third and fourth with one point.
