(Football news) Even though France fielded their 2nd choice XI, the result was a massive upset. Tunisia almost pulled off a great escape to make it to the Round of 16 but their victory wasn’t enough. Raphael Varane was the only regular France player to start the match and he was given game time to reach full fitness. Despite the loss France still managed to top the group as they now prepare to face Poland in the Round of 16.
Tunisia played out of their skin to win this encounter. France never looked comfortable until Didier Deschamps had to bring on Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Adrien Rabiot. Eduardo Camavinga played at left back and had a game full of action as he won 18 duels, the most by a Frenchman in a World Cup match since the beginning of detailed data collection in 1966. However it was pretty clear that he didn’t look too comfortable playing in that position and it is something Deschamps wouldn’t want to do unless Theo Hernandez is not unavailable.
Tunisia were putting constant pressure on the French goal and looked to have scored in the 8th minute but the flag went up for offside and the goal was ruled out. Tunisia finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute via Wahbi Kazri. In the last 10 minutes there were relentless attacks from France. Griezmann scored with the last kick of the game but the VAR ruled it out for offside. Unfortunately for Tunisia, Australia defeated Denmark in the other game thanks to Matthew Leckie’s solo strike.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| France | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 6 |
| Australia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 6 |
| Tunisia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Denmark | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 1 |
Also read: 2022 World Cup: Gareth Bale subbed off at half time in what could be his last Wales appearance
