November 30, (THEWILL) – Despite an encouraging 1-0 victory over world champions France, one of Africa representatives, Tunisia, were unable to advance to the World Cup’s knockout rounds.
Jalel Kadri’s team upheld their end of the bargain with a stirring performance that was rewarded by Wahbi Khazri’s outstanding second-half goal. However, their advancement required that Denmark needed to avoid losing to Australia.
Unfortunately for the north Africans, Australia’s 1-0 victory over Denmark meant that the Socceroos were the side that joined France in making it out of Group D.
Didier Deschamps’ starting XI reflected the fact that France had already secured a spot in the round of 16, as the French coach name nine changes from the squad that defeated Denmark on Saturday. With Tunisia leading, France brought in their star players, but the best they could muster was Antoine Griezmann, who came off the bench and scored a goal that was disallowed for offside.
Even so, Les Bleus advanced to the round of 16 as Group D champions. They will play the group C runner-up, which at this point might be any of Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, or Mexico. Tunisia will return home, but they will do so with pride.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
