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Tunisia (AFP) – Youssef Msakni once again spent the nights of the Tunisians in the last meters of the World Cup, so the fans relived the painful scenes experienced four years ago, after missing the World Cup in Russia to cut his cruciate ligament, but the son of the Bardo region he reassured “Carthage Eagles” fans after a recent injury with his Arab side from Qatar last September.
Youssef proved his recovery and entered as captain of his country against Brazil in the Garden of Princes in a match that the Tunisians lost 1-5.
Thus, the third was almost not resolved in Msakni’s World Cup away match. After failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and injury just before the 2018 World Cup, Youssef reached his goal late. But qualifying this time around will not be his gateway to European professionalism, after he was close to gaining experience in France after the World Cup in Russia.
Msakni (32), who had an unfinished experience in 2019 on loan to Belgian club Oiben, admits that “professionalism in Europe is now impossible!”
Spherical roots! –
With much affection and pride, he remembers how his mother woke up in the morning to accompany him to a little boy for exercises: “My mother let me go. The poor thing got up early so I wouldn’t. Go alone.”
For the influential role of his mother, Youssef’s father, former international Munther Al-Maskani, had a great impact: “He noticed my love for football and my training away from home. He saw my talent and not prevented me from playing because of my studies ».
From a young age, Youssef’s talent began to appear with the Tunisian stadium club. He has all the technical specifications. He is good at dribbling, speed and positioning, has a high sense of score and cunning in cross and passing passes.
Nationally, his career began at the beginning of the 2007 season with a brilliant participation in the Junior World Championships in South Korea under the guidance of coach Maher Al-Kanzari. His wonderful goal with a nice shot and at the end of the 2013 Africa Cup against Algeria is still stuck in the minds of many.
The nickname “Mangusta” did not come from the void. Sports commentator Ahmed Al-Tayeb says he has four eyes.
I hate losing
Joseph hates loss and does not accept it. He is fun and loves swimming and family sessions at home, he turns into a completely silent person if he returns a loser. He doesn’t talk much for 24 hours and is content to watch the replay of the match his team lost.
While growing up in a family that includes three siblings, including Ehab, the coastal champion, Youssef looks with great passion to his daughters Khadija (4 years) and Ghalia (3 years) interest in football: “They are eager to watch my goals on YouTube. ” But Youssef added: “I will not force them to follow the ball.”
Yemeni “Al-Nims” will play his first World Cup in Qatar, who has known his stadiums well since moving to club Lekhwiya (Al-Duhail) from Esperance in 2013 in a deal described as “the most expensive” among Arab clubs for 15 million euros. “Now the whole world is talking about the World Cup. The next events in Qatar will be of special specifications, and I don’t think we have seen or will see a World Cup like that.”
He was the first to score against the Lusail Stadium, home of the World Cup final, with a goal against Al Rayyan during a test match: “I know the stadiums well and have played them in all of them, and this is a characteristic that you distinguishes. from others. The incoming and resident Tunisian public will be present in abundance and will support the team. “
Tunisia coach Jalal Kadri considers him “one of the best players that Tunisian stadiums have produced in the last 20 years”.
He continued: “He is very talented and knows how to positively influence his teammates. The team and all Tunisians are counting on him during the World Cup because he can make a difference.”
As for Frenchman Alain Giresse, who oversaw Tunisia in the 2019 Africa Cup when they finished fourth, he says: “He is a brilliant player. Technically, he has vision and a sense of the game. He must be given freedom without being confined to the game. a certain position “.
I’ll be back someday
Youssef also appreciates his rich experience with Esperance (2008-2013) “I have left the great door and will return through the great door to retire there”.
With Esperance, Msakni has achieved the most expensive titles, in particular the historic hat-trick in 2011 under the guidance of coach Nabil Maaloul, winning the African league, cup and Champions League, as well as participating with his mind in the clubs of the World Cup of Japan. Youssef also wrote his name with Al Duhail with five titles, twice the League, the Super Cup and the Crown Prince’s Cup.
Youssef (17 goals in 85 international appearances) talks with great passion about the “dream” he realized on his third attempt to qualify for the World Cup, and confirms his refusal to “prevent” for fear of a recurrence of a new injury. “Everything is predestined. We must believe in the destiny of God”.
© 2022 AFP
