Tunisia supporters and players are not quite as upbeat now that they have been eliminated from the World Cup, but they can smile after a memorable victory over a football heavyweight, France. France had a goal called out for offside in the final minute of stoppage time, but Tunisia hung on for a stunning win. Despite their victory, they were unable to advance to the World Cup’s last 16.
Substitute At the Education City Stadium, Antoine Griezmann volleyed in a dramatic equaliser, but the VAR judgement ensured Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazi’s spectacular first-half goal proved to be the winner. However, with Australia defeating Denmark 1-0 in the other Group D encounter, Tunisia’s prospects of progressing were crushed even before Griezmann’s goal was called off.
France advanced to the last 16 as group champions, having already qualified with a win against Denmark in the previous round of games. Despite their elimination, Tunisia captain Khazi provided the moment supporters had been waiting for: a goal at this World Cup. He drove to the outside of the box and coolly rolled it into the bottom right corner. There was an outpouring of passion from the stadium’s enormous Tunisian crowd, and substitutes of the Tunisia team raced onto the pitch in a moment of sheer joy. Their joy was short-lived, though, as word of Australia’s lead spread across the stadium, with fans checking their phones for updates from the other Group D games.
France, who had already qualified as group champions after a 2-1 win against Denmark, lacked quality in a dismal performance. Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid were brought in later in the second half to try to get back into the game. Despite loud jeers and whistles from Tunisian supporters attempting to put them off, they made an effect, and Griezmann almost gave the goal they needed.
On Sunday, December 4, Didier Deschamps’ team will meet the runner-up of Group C, presently Argentina, in the last 16. Meanwhile, Tunisia’s search to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time continues as the country exits the competition.