Match Previews

Defensive minded approach expected. Only by avoiding defeat in the opening match will preserve realistic chances of qualification. Main star and top goalscorer Y. Msakni sidelined. T. Khenissi also ruled out. A. Maaloul cleared to play. G. Chaalali and M. Ben Amor lacking fitness.

Topped easy qualifying group on their way to third World Cup appearance in XXI century, also made the finals in 2002 and 2006, but it must be said that their only World Cup win after twelve matches played remains the 3:1 success vs. Mexico on their debut back in 1978.

Showed fighting spirit in their last five friendlies and the motivation seems to be very high. Back in March edged both Iran and Costa Rica 1:0. Most recently earned 2:2 draws vs. Portugal and Turkey after coming from behind in both games, while in their final warm up lost 0:1 against Spain with the only goal conceded in the dying minutes.

Tunisia’s attack was badly crippled on the build up to the tournament after thigh injury ruled out Khenissi, while the team’s talisman and top goalscorer in the qualifiers Msakni is also set to miss the tournament with a knee problem.

Coach Maaloul used 4-5-1 in the last few friendlies, with Sliti and Khazri constantly changing their position in the false nine role. The latter had very strong season in France and he played many times as a false striker for Rennes.

Both Chaalali and Ben Amor enter the tournament short on fitness after recent injuries, but they both will be available for selection.

The main left-back Maaloul nurses a thigh injury from the last friendly and he is rated as 50/50 for the game. If he can't start Dijon's full-back Haddadi is the obvious replacement. A day before the game the coach confirmed that Maaloul is fit and available!

The only official meeting between the sides was during the 1998 World Cup, with Tunisia losing 0:2 after conceding late goals in each half.