AL RAYYAN, Qatar. – An energetic and determined Tunisia claimed a famous victory over a France team made up mostly of back-up players on Wednesday, but its 1-0 win over the reigning champion was not enough for the North Africans to progress to the World Cup knockout stages.
They departed the tournament with “honor and pride,” coach Jalel Kadri said. But despite their defeat of one of the tournament favorites, their fate was ultimately not in their hands.
Tunisia needed not only to beat the already-qualified France but to hope for Denmark to avoid defeat against Australia in the other Group D game to advance. The Tunisians roared onto the pitch to challenge a disjointed French side featuring nine changes from the side that beat the Danes.
But their win against the 2018 World Cup winners failed to see them through to the next stage after Australia defeated Denmark 1-0 and clinched second place in the group. Tunisia kept its unwanted record of not progressing from the group stage in six World Cup appearances.
French-born Wahbi Khazri lifted Tunisia to its third win in 18 matches at the finals, dribbling into the box in the 58th minute and slipping the ball past back-up goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who at 37 is the oldest Frenchman to play in a World Cup match. Tunisia’s win also ended France’s six-match winning streak at the World Cup.
Tunisia threatened early on, with Nader Ghandri flicking the ball into the net off a free kick but the play was ruled offside.
Khazri said Tunisia was ending its World Cup journey with a “bittersweet feeling” – delighted to have beaten France but heartbroken by the outcome of the other group game.
Coach Kadri echoed his player’s comments.
“Unfortunately, we exit the tournament but we also left the game with a lot of honor and pride,” he said. “We have been able to play with a lot of efficiency.” — Reuters
