Tense Battle Ends in 0-0 Draw in Group D's Opening Match
Tunisia and Denmark failed to decide a winner and each shared 1 point. On the 22nd (Korean time), the Group D match of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup was held at the Education Stadium in Doha, Qatar, ending in a 0-0 draw. It was the first goalless draw of the tournament, signaling an all-out effort in the remaining matches.
Tunisia dominated the first half, while Denmark took control in the second half. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Issam Jebali of Tunisia dribbled from near the halfway line and fired a shot that seemed to shake the net and give Tunisia the lead. However, the goal was ruled offside, causing disappointment. Denmark's counterattack was also fierce. In the 24th minute of the second half, Christian Eriksen threatened the goal with a left-footed long-range shot from the center of the penalty area, and from the ensuing corner kick, Andreas Christensen's header hit the post and went out.
Both teams had one chance each to earn a penalty kick. Denmark breathed a sigh of relief when Joachim Andersen's arm touched the ball while defending in the penalty area, but only a corner kick was awarded. Tunisia had a similar moment in stoppage time of the second half when defender Yassine Meriah touched the ball with his arm in the penalty area. After video assistant referee (VAR) review, the referee judged there was no intent and awarded a goal kick. There were several other decisive chances, but each time an offside was called, preventing the flow from continuing.
Denmark aims to reach at least the round of 16 in this tournament. In the 2018 Russia World Cup, they advanced to the round of 16 with 1 win and 2 draws in the group stage but were eliminated after losing to Croatia in a penalty shootout. Tunisia was eliminated in the same tournament with 1 win and 2 losses in the group stage.
Meanwhile, France and Australia, also in Group D, will face each other at 4 a.m. on the 23rd.
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