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Tunisia is in Group G of the 2018 World Cup which will take place in Russia. The Tunisians faced a tough draw (Belgium, Egypt, Panama) but still have a good card to play. Belgium and Egypt seem to be the favourites, but we never know… especially as the Tunisians will play their last match against Panama, an opponent within their reach.
To qualify for the final phase of the tournament, Tunisia get away from Mauritania (2-1 at home and and victory in Mauritania) in the qualification stage and ended up in first place in Group A, ahead of Congo. The battle was fierce! The four other African countries that will compete in the 2018 World cup final in Russia are: Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, and Senegal.
This Tunisian line-up has some well-known players in Ligue 1 Conforama. Central defender who played in Toulouse, Monaco and Valencia before joining Olympique de Marseille in the 2017/18 season, Aymen Abdennour put his team on tracks from the first match by opening the scoring against Guinea (2-0), on October 9 2016. It is then a certain Wahbi Khazri, a current Stade Rennais player (Khazri helped his club to qualify for the Europa League), and who gave victory to his team in Lybia (0-1).
The best Tunisian scorers during this qualification stage were Youssef Msakni (Al-Duhail Sports Club), who scored his 3 goals in the same match against Guinea (1-4), and Mohamed Amine Ben Amor (Étoile sportive du Sahel), who scored two goals.
England, first match
Tunisia will start the tournament on the June 18 against the impressive England, in the Volgograd Arena. England is not reputed to be particularly brilliant during international tournaments: in Euro 2016, the team disappointed England fans by being embarrassed by Iceland in the second round. This having being said, the rose selection can capitalise on the talent of a centre-forward at his climax: Harry Kane (Tottenham), best scorer of the 2017 season ahead of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and others!
Other than Kane, the English team can rely on other talented players: Adam Lallana, Daniel Sturridge, Dele Alli, Jermain Defoe, Jamie Vardy, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck, Marcus Rashford, just to mention them… Impressive line-up! The Tunisian defence must show great strength to face them. England also distinguishes itself by the strength of its defence, with only 3 goals conceded during the 10 matches of the qualification phase. That is solid!
Belgium in Moscow
Second match then for the Tunisian team: Belgium, at the Spartak stadium in Moscow. The Belgian selection relies on a golden generation and is undoubtedly one of the main favourites of this World Cup, along with Germany, Argentina, Spain and France.
With Hazard and De Bruyne
Belgium really disappointed by being eliminated in the quarter finals of Euro 2016 by a heroic Dutch team. It will therefore look forward to redeem itself. They already had a brilliant run in the qualification phase: 9 victories and 1 draw in 10 games, 43 goals scored and only 6 conceded! Romelu Lukaku, who may leave Man United according to Eurobet, has contributed a lot by scoring 11 goals. Technical leader in the team of Red Devils, the former LOSC and current player Chelsea Eden Hazard came 2nd with 6 goals. The “Napolitan” Dries Martens and Thomas Meunier, right-back of Paris Saint-Germain, follow with 5 goals each.
Belgium can also count on the great talent of Kevin De Bruyne, one of best PL league player over the 2017/2018. On paper, it is unquestionably the biggest group match for Tunisia, and winning against Belgium, especially as Belgium should grow in power compared to its first group match…
A mandatory victory against Panama…who is playing its first World cup
Qualifying hopes for the round of 8 are suspended to a victory against Panama. Tunisia has to at least have a victory against one of the group favourite, but whatever the case Tunisia has to beat Panama. Will this match be played simply for the honour or on the contrary will it be the one on which all hopes are based for the Tunisian people?
Panama qualified for the first time for the World Cup finals, snatching the precious grail on the last day of the fifth round of the CONCACAF zone. Panama came in third qualification course behind Mexico and Costa Rica, by coming just a bit ahead of Honduras and USA! It Sufficient to say that even if the world of football will discover this selection in Russia, the Eagles would be wrong not to take it seriously.
Tunisia is in Group G, so the two teams that will qualify from the Group will face those of Group H in the round of 8. Group H consists of Poland, Colombia, Senegal and Japan. It is the most open group for none is considered a favourite for the final victory.
If the odds for Tunisia, a final victory of The Eagles is unlikely (750 against 1 with Skybet for example), a qualification for the round of 16 is in return paid at 5 against 1 by the US bookmaker Betdsi, which suggests a real chance of qualification.
What is sure is that, the Eagles will carry the hope of 11 million Tunisians in Russia.