DOHA: An incredible victory in vain, Tunisia were wonderful from start to finish and thoroughly deserved points but that was not enough to take them through due to Australia’s win over Denmark. France’s much-changed side deserved absolutely nothing. A questionable end to the game in the end with VAR ruling out Griezmann’s effort after it hit the net.
Khazri steered home a 58th-minute winner amid a cluster of defenders for only a third victory at six World Cup tournaments for Tunisia, but they were still eliminated as Australia beat Denmark 1-0 in the other group match. France, who made nine changes for this match from the team that beat Denmark and had already booked their place in the knockout stages, finished top of Group D on goal difference from runners-up Australia.
While a large Tunisian community is present in France to savor the result, the country’s first win against European opposition at a World Cup and just their third ever in 18 matches at the tournament. However, they needed Australia to drop points in the day’s other Group D game to stand a chance of reaching the last 16 for the first time. Les Bleus had been the first team to secure a place in the next round after winning their opening two games in Qatar.
Tunisia lineup: 16. Dahmen, Meriah,Ghandri, Talbi, Kechrida,Skhiri,Laidouni,Maaloul, Ben Slimane, Ben Romdhane, Khazri
France: Mandanda, Disasi, Varane, Konate, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Veretout, Guendouzi, Coman sources: aljazeera/sportingnews
