Announced as a serious outsider of this 2022 World Cup, Denmark did not manage to get rid of a well-legged Tunisia on Tuesday in the first match of group D. Despite an intense commitment from both teams and duels at all pitch levels, the score remained 0-0.
The Carthage Eagles – who hadn’t kept zero behind since 1978, the only time in 15 previously played World Cup matches – immediately showed their intentions, beating all balls to their opponent with a grit singular from the first minutes of play.
Well organized defensively, the North Africans left the initiative to the Danish favorites while nullifying their clear chances in the first period.
Particularly aggressive in their pressing, they are not limited to waiting in their camp but have missed the 0-1 on the counter several times.
The scoreline remained goalless at half-time, however, as the Danes clarified the danger in the second half. Stopped by a very nice save by damen, Christian Eriksen sounded the Danish revolt (69th) but the Scandinavians did no better than a post, hit by Cornelius a few moments later (70th).
This beautiful battle, all in all balanced, kept the spectators spellbound until the end – with in particular a final stoppage by Dahmen and an intervention by the VAR in stoppage time – but in the end did not designate a winner.
A point each therefore for Denmark and Tunisia who will closely follow France – Australia, the other match of group D, Tuesday evening (8 p.m.).