Doha: Tunisia are one goal ahead of defending champions France in the third round of Qatar World Cup Group D. Wahbi Khasri scored the goal in the 58th minute assisted by Issa Laidouni. France made several attempts in front of goal, but Tunisia could not score a goal in the first half.
All Tunisian advances were met by French defences. In the first half, France was ahead in possession and passing, but there were not many moves that looked like goals. Meanwhile, Tunisia continued to attack the French goal. Tunisia scored two shots on target. However, there was nothing in France’s account.
The French army, which had already received a ticket to the pre-quarters, entered the field against Tunisia by benching prominent players. Superstar Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, Dembele and others who played against Denmark were not included in the playing eleven. Victory was inevitable and Tunisia fielded the first eleven. Tunisia hit the net 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. After that, the 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 failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
The second shot of the player who could not connect the ball correctly in the first attempt went outside the post. In the 30th minute, Anis Ben Slimane headed Issa Laidouni’s cross from the left wing of the post but straight into the hands of the France goalie.
In the 35th minute, a brilliant half-volley by Khasri from 35 yards away from the post knocked over the France goal. Tunisia missed a golden opportunity in the 42nd minute. It is not enough to beat France in the match, the result of the Australia-Denmark match will also determine Tunisia’s pre-quarter chances.
France squad: Coman, Kolo Muani, Guwendoussi, Veretout, Fofana, Chouyameni, Kamavinga, Konete, Varane (capt), Disasi, Steve Mandanda.
Tunisia Team: Ayman Dahmen, Yassin Meriah, Nader Ghandry, Ali Maloul, Issa Laidouni, Ilyas Sakri, Wajidi Kechrida, Wahbi Khasri (capt), Mohamed Ali Ben Romdane, Anis Slimane.
France is currently leading Group D with six points. Australia is second with three points. Denmark and Tunisia are third and fourth with one point.