Doha, 1 December 2022 (TDI): In a shocking defeat France lost the match to Tunisia, however, it still ended up topping their group despite losing the match.
Defending champions; France suffered their first-ever loss thanks to a goal from Tunisia’s Wahbi Khazri in the 58th minute.
Regarding the game, the Eagles of Carthage; the Tunisian team dominated a sizable portion of the first session. 13 minutes into the second session, Khazri scored.
When Youssouf Fofana of France lost possession of the ball in midfield, Khazri received it 30 yards from the goal. He moved into hostile territory and dribbled into the box almost unopposed before slipping the ball past Steve Mandanda for a 1-0 lead.
Regardless, Tunisia’s victory at the Education City Stadium was insufficient to advance them to the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup 2022 as Australia beat them to the qualifying post.
Khazri’s goal proved to be ineffective because the Socceroos advanced from Group D along with France and at the expense of the North Africans after having defeated Denmark at the Janoub Stadium.
“We Leave With Honour and Pride. It’s mixed feelings because we’re happy to beat a team like France,” Tunisia’s Manager, Jalel Kadri said.
It is pertinent to note that France got off to a strong start at the World Cup, earning six points from their initial two games and scoring six goals in the process, but Australia beat them out to win the group stage.
Les Bleus, the French national football team who had already advanced to the round of 16, won their group aside from making nine substitutions and having a subpar performance.
Australia and France both had six points from two victories to finish first and second, respectively, while Tunisia took third place with four points from a win and a draw against Denmark, which finished last with one point.
Australia will compete against the Group C winners, Argentina, Poland, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, joining the already qualified teams France, Portugal, Brazil, Senegal, and The Netherlands.
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