Tunisia is back! After twelve long years the Eagles of Carthage are back in the World Cup. After a strong run through qualification the African giants are hoping for greater glory in Russia. But what fears could derail these ambitions? Read on to find out!
Hope #1: That they can get a second win.
In their previous four World Cups Tunisia only managed to get one win, a 3-1 win against Mexico at the 1978 World Cup. Considering that was 40 years ago and that none of the players were alive at the time we are thinking that fans of the Eagles of Carthage might want another. Of the three sides that they face in Group G (Belgium, England, and Panama) their best bet might come against Panama, who will be playing in their first World Cup.
Hope #2: That they can continue to frustrate England.
In the 1998 World Cup Tunisia, clawed, scratched and held their own against an English side that had ambitions to win the World Cup. While the 2-0 scoreline indicates it wasn’t close those who remember watching it saw Tunisia defend every play like it was their last and generally frustrate the young English side. While the players have certainly changed the implications of the match have not. England will come into the match heavily favored and Tunisia are going to have to play lights out defending. Yohan Benalouane of Leicester City will need to provide organization and shape to a young backline if they have any hope of getting result against the Three Lions.
Hope #3: That they can replace Youssef Msakni
Msakni led Tunisia in goals during qualification with four and at 27 it was expected that he might have a breakout World Cup. But a knee injury in April while playing for his club side Al-Duhail ended his World Cup dreams. Tunisia coach Nabil Maloul made the comparison to Messi when describing Msakni so one can see why they are devastated.
There really isn’t a like-for-life replacement of Msakni but Ellyes Shikri of Montpellier has done a good job in recent friendlies in maintaining possession and creating attacking chances. Despite losing their talisman attacker they cannot sit back in this group.
The Big Fear: That Belgium and England will be too much.
If Msakni were healthy Tunisia would have the ability to take it to Belgium and England and make both really work for a result. But without a dynamic midfielder to move the side out of their defensive shell they are going to have trouble stringing together attacking chances.
Tunisia
2018 World Cup
