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Al Rayyan (Qatar) (AFP) – Denmark, long stifled by a very generous team from Tunisia, pushed at the end but did not manage to force the decision (0-0), foiling for their entry into Group D of the World Cup-2022 before their reunion with France.
The Scandinavians had never lost in the World Cup against an African team. As for the Tunisians, they had never beaten a European selection: 2022 did not derogate from these rules but this snatched point, at the end of a tactical and very intense match, will surely satisfy the Eagles of Carthage, who displayed a more cheerful face than the Danes, who appeared very hesitant.
Aggressive and very rhythmic, the Tunisians, carried by a stadium committed to their cause in particular because of the importance of their community in Qatar, effectively jumped at their opponent’s throat from the first moments.
In the middle, Laïdouni perfectly muzzled Eriksen, invisible except on a set piece before a fine attempt that was barely repelled (69), while in front, the big Jebali, perfect for making Khazri forget, who remained on the bench, put all his weight in the balance to disorient the hinge.
Forced to manage, the Nordics were nevertheless able to get their heads out of the water slightly in the 2nd period, when the North Africans, unable to keep up such a pace and such pressure throughout the match, relaxed their grip somewhat.
Laïdouni, author of a formidable breakthrough (51) from 50 meters, or a hand from Andersen (71) in the surface could nevertheless have tipped the fate in favor of the Tunisians while opposite a header from Cornelius hit the post (70) and that Lindström forced Dahmen to have a nice save (90+3).
Spanked by Brazil (5-1) at the end of September in a friendly, Tunisia can congratulate themselves on having shown a completely different face against a big European nation. Denmark appeared to him as a distant heir to the cheerful team which had reached the semi-finals of the last Euro and dominated France twice during the last League of Nations.
During his reunion precisely with the Blues in four days, who could take advantage of it in the evening to take the lead in group D by dominating Australia, the selection of Kasper Hjulmand will probably have to show other intentions.
© 2022 AFP