France’s historical run of six consecutive wins in the FIFA World Cup finals, which started in the round of 16 of the last edition in Russia has been brought to a halt, after a Wahbi Khazri’s strike just two minutes before the hour mark gave Tunisia a 1-0 win in Al Rayyan.
A much changed France XI saw the like of Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and even Goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris taken out of the starting Didier Deschamps’ picks for the match.
Only Aurélien Tchouameni and Raphael Varane made the starting XI as the likes of Edouardo Camavinga, Randal Kolo Muani, Kingsley Coman, Youssouf Fofana, Axel Disasi, Jordan Veretout, Matteo Guendouzi and Steve Mandanda all included this time.
Needing at least a win to seal qualification, Tunisia must have been relieved to see the French’s lineup and they indeed did their part as Wahbi Zhazri’s only goal gave them maximum points but unfortunately, their hardwork yielded no reward as Australia beat Denmark to go six points.
Melbourne City’s Defender, Matthew Leckie scored the only goal on the hour mark to hand Graham Arnold’s side a famous win of their own as they sealed qualification into the next round of the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in their history after first reaching the stage in Germany, 2006.
It was thought to be an upset or advantage for Denmark when Socceroos defeated Tunisia in their second group game but the Oceanian country continued their remarkable run in Qatar, with a big win over one of the favourites to qualify from the group.
Devastated, Denmark finished bottom of their group with one point and only one goal score. It is very unfortunate of Kasper Hjulmand and his minions because better was expected of them, following their inspiring run in the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League.
For Tunisia, it was very unfortunate for them as they are the only side to have beaten defending Champions France, but it appeared what looked like a good point against Denmark in their first match has proven not enough.
France progressed as Group D winners and Australia followed as runner up, both waiting to learn who they face in the next round, with decisive games still to come in Group C.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
