Tunisia Secures Victory Over France with Kazri's Early Goal to Finish Strong

Defeated France but Eliminated in Round of 16 as 3rd in Group

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Tunisia defeated the 'defending champion' France but failed to advance to the round of 16.

On the 1st at midnight (Korean time), Tunisia recorded a 1-0 victory against France in the third match of Group D at the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup held at Al Rayyan Education City Stadium in Qatar. However, Tunisia's advancement was thwarted as Australia defeated Denmark 1-0 in the simultaneous Group D match.

France, having already secured a spot in the round of 16, lost this match but finished first in the group with 2 wins and 1 loss, totaling 6 points. Australia also recorded 2 wins and 1 loss but advanced as the second in the group due to goal difference (France +3, Australia -1). Tunisia, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, totaling 4 points, remained third despite defeating France, while Denmark finished fourth with 1 draw and 2 losses.

In this match, France deployed a 4-3-3 formation. Up front were Guendouzi, Muani, and Coman, with Veretout, Tchouameni, and Fofana in midfield. The back four consisted of Camavinga, Konate, Varane, and Disasi, with Mandanda guarding the goal.

Tunisia lined up in a 3-4-3 formation. Up front were Ben Romdhane, Khazri, and Ben Slimane, with Maaloul, Laidouni, Skhiri, and Khetirda in midfield. The three defenders were Talbi, Ghandri, and Meriah, and Dahmen was in goal.

France, having already secured advancement to the round of 16, rested many key players and approached the match with ease. Tunisia launched a counterattack and engaged in a close contest with France.

In the first half, Tunisia held 43% possession, with 4 shots and 2 on target, threatening France's goal. France had 2 shots but none on target.

The winning goal came in the second half. In the 13th minute of the second half, Khazri received a pass near the midfield, quickly bypassed the French defenders, and fired a shot that shook the net.

France's coach Didier Deschamps made changes in the 18th minute of the second half, substituting Coman, Veretout, and Varane for Mbappe, Rabiot, and Saliba to alter the game.

Then, in the 28th minute of the second half, Fofana was replaced by Griezmann, followed by Guendouzi being substituted for Dembele. France, regaining control, launched a counterattack. In stoppage time, Griezmann's shot hit the net but was canceled after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

Ultimately, the match ended with Tunisia's victory. This win marked Tunisia's first-ever victory against a European team in the World Cup.

Khazri, who scored the winning and Tunisia's first goal in this World Cup, was selected as the player of the match.