Doha: Tunisia’s chariot race has shocked the former champions who were looking for their third World Cup group stage win in Qatar. The French army surrendered to the Tunisian powerhouse with an uncontested goal in a game full of drama.
France, who secured the pre-quarters after winning their first two games, took the opposing team for granted. Despite the upset victory, Tunisia failed to qualify for the quarterfinals. Tunisia finished third in the group after Australia beat Denmark. In the 58th minute of the match, Wahbi Khasri scored the winning goal for Tunisia after an assist from Issa Laidouni.
Griezmann, who came on as a second-half added-time substitute, struck the net but was found offside following a war check. Tunisia’s movement from midfield led to the goal. Laidouni snatched the ball from the French player and handed it to Khasri. The attacker with the ball passed two French defenders and hit the right corner of the post.
At this moment, the substitute who stepped up to stop the ball was helpless against goalkeeper Mandada. This is the first time Khasri has achieved a place in the top eleven. This is also Tunisia’s first goal at the Qatar World Cup. France entered the field with prominent players on the bench. This was also evident in the competition. Tunisia dominated the field.
Tunisia finally took the lead in the second half of poetic justice. In the 63rd minute, superstars Kylian Mbappe, Adrien Rabiot and William Saliba were brought on by French coach Didian Deschamps. France’s moves to give back the goal made for an exciting match. Afterwards, Griezmann and Dembele were brought on and France stepped up their attack. However, the Tunisian defense could not be breached.
In the 89th minute, Mbappé’s striker on the left wing was tackled by the goalkeeper. In the first half, France were ahead in possession and passing, but there weren’t many moves that looked like goals. Meanwhile, Tunisia continued to attack the French gate. Tunisia scored two shots on goal. However, there was nothing in France’s account.
The French army, which had already received a ticket for the pre-quarters, took the field against Tunisia putting prominent players on the bench. The superstar who played against Denmark, Kylian Mbappé, Griezmann, Giroud and Dembele were not included in the eleven players. Victory was inevitable and Tunisia fielded the first eleven. Tunisia scored 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. Subsequently, Tunisian players and fans died in celebration. The ensuing offside left them all suddenly frustrated. Great progress by France in the 25th minute. Youssef Fofana advanced into the Tunisian box and passed the ball to Kingsley Coman but he failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
The second shot of the player who failed to connect the ball correctly on the first attempt went off the post. In the 30th minute, Anis Ben Slimane headed Issa Laidouni’s cross from the left wing of the post, but it went straight into the hands of the France goalkeeper.
In the 35th minute, a brilliant half-volley by Khasri from 35 meters from the post sent France wide. Tunisia lost a golden opportunity in the 42nd minute.
