World Cup 2022: Tunisia, France and Tunisian fans
Tunisian Ali Abdi trying to contain Australian Ajdin Hrustic.
REUTERS - SUHAIB SALEM
Text by: Farid Achache Follow
3 mins
After their defeat against Australia in the second pool match (1-0), Tunisia, last in group D before the final day, faces France on Wednesday 30 November.
The Tunisians can still hope to see the next round for the first time in their history.
They will be able to count once again on their public.
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From our special envoy to Qatar,
By taking the brand new Doha metro, it is easy to come across supporters of the Carthage Eagles.
For the first two meetings of Jalel Kadri's men, the Tunisian community living in Qatar - around 35,000 people - came to the stadium in large numbers.
Not to mention those who made the trip from Tunisia and the four corners of Europe.
The stands of the Education City Stadium will once again be all red for this poster against the Blues.
“
Nothing is impossible for this last battle
”
With his monotonous tone that lets nothing show through, the coach greeted this audience at a pre-match press conference.
“
Nothing is impossible for this last battle and we want to make our supporters happy
,” slips Jalel Kadri.
He will not be contradicted by Montassar Talbi, who also believes in "
the chances
" of Tunisia.
The central defender of Lorient also knows that the fans will be there to "
push
" the selection.
“
They are perhaps the most fervent supporters of this World Cup
”, welcomes Montassar Talbi.
The Tunisian public during the match against Australia, November 26, 2022. AFP - ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
“
Tomorrow, we will be in a stadium where there will be fervor with their public.
We will almost feel like we are playing on the outside
”, comments French coach Didier Deschamps, who obviously intends to finish first in group D. “
It will be a difficult match against an opponent who will want to pass, and who will have his audience at the stadium.
There will be atmosphere and we like that
, ”adds French international Aurélien Tchouaméni, who had the opportunity to rub shoulders with several players from Tunisia in the French Championship.
There is therefore one last cartridge for the Tunisians to hope to climb to the second round of a World Cup, for the first time in their history.
But, it will absolutely be necessary to beat France, world champion, and if possible with a wide score to take advantage of the goal difference.
Youssef Msakni awaited by the Tunisian public
Tunisia, with its rather defensive team, did not score a single goal in this first round.
After having favored an attacking game for a long time, Tunisia is now renowned for its robust defense.
If the Eagles have a certain Youssef Msakni, 32, the captain has not yet succeeded in concretizing the various attempts against Denmark and Australia.
“
We couldn't score against Australia.
We weren't efficient.
We have to be more realistic on the ground
,” admits Jalel Kadri.
“
I was present at the Parc des Princes for the friendly match against Brazil and I also saw Tunisia against Denmark here in Doha.
I know that Jalel Kadri will play the qualification for the eighth
”, however says Didier Deschamps.
Tunisia has never beaten France.
“
Tomorrow will be historic, and we hope that everything will go well for us
”, slips Jalel Kadri.
“
It was frustrating to lose to Australia.
But we have a golden opportunity to redeem ourselves.
France has great individuals like Kylian Mbappé.
But it's a team of 11 players, against a team of 11 players
,” concludes Montassar Talbi.
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