Match Previews

Suffered heart-breaking stoppage-time defeat vs. England and can’t afford another loss now. Main star and top goalscorer Y. Msakni sidelined. T. Khenissi also ruled out. M. Hassen also sidelined after last game.

Tunisia were very close to a crucial draw in the tournament-opener vs. England, but the Eagles from Carthage had major problems dealing with set pieces all match and in stoppage-time conceded to lose 1:2. It must be said that Tunisia offered very little attacking threat in this game, although they worked hard defensively.

Coach Maaloul used seemingly aggressive formation with two attacking wide players, but they were dropping very deep to help defensively and for most of the game the shape was more 4-5-1 than the desired 4-3-3.

Due to his muscle problems on the build-up to the tournament the important anchor-man Ben Amor came only off the bench vs. England, but now he hopes to be selected from the off. If this happens Badri will move to play in a more natural wide area.

Sliti and Khazri will continue changing roles, both of them are used as false nines after the team’s big star and main striker Msakni got seriously injured in March. Khenissi is also missing the tournament due to an injury.

The new number one on goal Hassen had an unhappy World Cup debut after being forced off the pitch with a shoulder problem early on and he is missing the rest of the tournament.

The left-back Maaloul played vs. England not 100% fit and the coach confirmed that he will sit on the bench at the start of this game. Haddadi is tipped to replace him.

Before England faced three other European sides in their last three friendlies prior the World Cup and had defensive problems in all of these matches. Still 2:2 draws vs. Turkey and Portugal and narrow 0:1 defeat against Spain suggest that the Eagles are tough to beat.