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Tunisia lost its duel on Saturday against Australia for its second match in Group D of the World Cup. A failure that greatly mortgages his chances of qualifying for the round of 16.
Tunisia has complicated its life. Faced with a well-organized and well-grouped Australian team, the Carthage Eagles were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The opposite of the Socceroos, formidable on the counter-attack. On arrival, this 1-0 defeat greatly reduces their chances of seeing the round of 16.
In a comfortable position heading into this match thanks to their draw against Denmark, Tunisia knew they had a shot to play against Australia, on paper within their reach. However, the stake paralyzed the Carthage Eagles at the start of the match. They leave the monopoly of the ball to the Socceroos who stumble for a time on a Tunisian defense well in place.
But, as against France, it is the team from the southern hemisphere that strikes first. Duke is at the start of the action and passes to Goodwin on the left. He crosses, Duke is on the fallout and places a lobed header with his back to goal which deceives Dahmen (24e0-1).
We have to wait for the last minutes of the first period to finally see the Carthage Eagles break free. Laïdouni plays deep for Jebali. The Tunisian midfielder plays with Msakni who dismisses Dräger. The side strikes in force but Rowles returns in extremis (41e).
Tunisia pushes without returning
A few minutes later, it was Jebali who signaled himself by sending a cross to Msakni. He hits without control. The ball fails a few centimeters from the post while Ryan, the Australian goalkeeper, had not reacted (45e+3).
Upon returning from the locker room, Tunisia is trying to capitalize on their momentum, pushed by their supporters who, as in the first match, made the trip in large numbers to the Al-Janoub stadium. On yet another breakthrough on the right side of Dräger, the Australian defense stumbles and tries several times to clear the ball (51e). Abdi is found on the left side. He enters the surface and crosses. Ryan pushes back but no one followed (58e). Then, Sassi tries his luck from a distance, but loses (60e).
Opposite, the Australians continue to be dangerous on the counter-attacks. Duke, however, fails to materialize (55e57e). And Leckie is close to crucifying Tunisia. Goodwin launches MacLaren down the left side. He centers at the far post. Leckie arrives launched and just misses to tackle the ball in the nets to make the break (70e).
In quick succession, Matt Ryan annihilates Msakni’s attempts. The Australian goalkeeper deflects the first attempt before capturing the second with a full-axis shot (72e). The first two shots on target of the match for the Carthage Eagles. The FC Copenhagen goalkeeper remains impeccable until the final whistle.
A failure against Australia which complicates the life of Tunisia. She no longer has her destiny in hand regarding a qualification in the round of 16. She will have to watch the result of France – Denmark carefully and prepare to give everything against the French on Wednesday 30 November.
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