The Carthage Eagles will try to upset France in their last group encounter at the 2022 World Cup and depend on result elsewhere to go beyond the Group stage for the first time in their history.
France nullified the “defending champions’ curse” by beating Australia and Denmark to earn six points and a place in the World Cup’s final 16. Kylian Mbappé has once again established himself as France’s go-to guy, with Griezmann and Olivier Giroud also contributing significantly to the victories. The Paris Saint Germain star scored twice against Denmark to snap their 22-year winless streak against the Danish Dynamites.
Tunisia, on the other hand, will have to outperform the reigning champions in order to stand a chance of advancing to the next round of the competition. The 2004 African champions have failed to achieve that feat in each of their prior outings. Tunisia have only won two of their 17 World Cup matches. Following a close win over Mali to qualify for this year’s tournament, the Carthage Eagles drew scoreless with a powerful Denmark team in their opening encounter, which enhanced their prospects of doing well in the competition.
However, a devastating loss to Australia in the second game dwindled their prospects yet again, leaving them at the bottom of the table.
Tunisia may qualify with a convincing win while they expect Denmark to win or draw against Australia. However, if Denmark loses to Australia, it will end Tunisia’s stay at the competition.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Tunisia have only lost twice in their last five matches, with two victories and one tie. France regained their form just in time for the World Cup, with the 2018 winners hitting six goals in two games. Another area of concern is their defense, which has surrendered in four of their previous five games.
TUNISIA’S FORM
26 November 2022 Tunisia 0-1 Australia 2022 World Cup Group D
22 November 2022 Denmark 0-0 Tunisia 2022 World Cup Group D
27 September 2022 Brazil 5–1 Tunisia Friendly
22 September 2022 Tunisia 1−0 Comoros Friendly
14 June 2022 Japan 0–3 Tunisia Kirin Cup Soccer
FRANCE’S FORM
26 November 2022 France 2-1 Denmark 2022 World Cup Group D
22 November 2022 France 4-1 Australia 2022 World Cup Group D
25 September 2022 Denmark 2–0 France Nations League
22 September 2022 France 2–0 Austria Nations League
13 June 2022 France 0–1 Croatia Nations League
HEAD TO HEAD
Tunisia are looking for their second win after five meetings, having won over France in 1971. France have won two and drawn two of their meetings with Tunisia.
07 Oct 1971 Tunisia 2-1 France Mediterranean Games
19 May 1978 France 2-0 Tunisia International Friendly
21 Aug 2002 Tunisia 1-1 France International Friendly
14 Oct 2008 France 3-1 Tunisia International Friendly
30 May 2010 Tunisia 1-1 France International Friendly
TEAM NEWS
TUNISIA
Tunisia coach, Jalel Kadri will have a fully fit squad to choose from. Wahbi Kazri has not started any of the Eagles’ two World Cup matches. He is however expected to start this all important game.
PREDICTED LINE UP
(3-4-2-1): Dahmen; Bronn, Talbi, Meriah; Kechrida, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi; Msakni, Sliti; Khazri
FRANCE
Didier Deschamps may experiment with rotations because his team has nothing to lose. Jules Kounde is France’s sole yellow carded player and may be replaced by Benjamin Pavard to avoid suspension.
PREDICTED LINE UP
(4-2-3-1): Lloris; Pavard, Konate, Varane, T. Hernandez; Guendouzi, Fofana; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud