TUNISIA – FRANCE | Wednesday 4pm
For the first time since 2006, the reigning world champion national team has managed to get past the group stage. It was France who broke what seemed to have become a real ‘curse’ that had hit, in order, Italy, Spain and finally Germany. Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus have therefore reached their objective of the round of 16 with a day to spare: the match scheduled for the last day against Tunisia will be practically irrelevant in terms of first place. In order for Kylian Mbappé and his teammates to lose the summit and pass as second, in fact, some sort of ‘cataclysm’ would have to happen. France look down on everyone with six points and the only team that can catch them if they lose to the North Africans – a remote possibility – is Australia, who have three points but a much worse goal difference.
Absurdly, the transalpines could even afford to lose, as long as they don’t lose by so many goals (currently the difference says France +4 and Australia -2). Lots of lights so far and few shadows for a selection that, despite the endless sequence of injuries that has conditioned the eve of the World Cup – by the way, there are rumours of a possible return of Karim Benzema, since he was never excluded from the call-up list – has confirmed to be one of the great favourites, together with Brazil, to take back the throne and repeat the Russia 2018 triumph. Firstly, they thrashed the Australians by four goals, coming back from a 4-1 deficit, and then they thrashed a good Denmark thanks to a stunning Mbappé, who scored a brace.
On the other hand, hopes were dashed for Tunisia, who had surprised everyone by forcing top-ranked Denmark to settle for a point (0-0) on their debut. Jalel Kadri’s line-up was supposed to make the leap forward against an opponent in reach such as Australia on the second day. But it failed miserably (0-1), once again showing severe limitations in the possession phase. Now they have to win at all costs what is a sort of ‘derby’ with France and hope that Australia and Denmark draw or that the Danes win, assuming that the goal difference against them is worse.
Tunisia-France: the latest line-up news
Tunisian coach Kadri is in a position to field the best possible line-up, but the starting eleven should not differ too much from the one that took the field in previous matches. On the right flank Drager is not at his best and could be replaced by former Salernitana player Kechrida. The only ballot is in attack, where Khazri will challenge Jebali, so far very disappointing in the scoring phase.
On the other hand, Deschamps is thinking of giving space to those who have played little so far, being able to rely on a very long and always high quality squad. Camavinga is asking for space in midfield, as are Guendouzi and Fofana. In defence, the presence of Koundé is almost certain, while in attack, Thuram could make Giroud leave the field. Doubts about Mbappé: the coach will probably only let him play one half. Former Juventus player Coman should also find a place in the back three.
The prediction
Although making a large turnover, France should have no problem getting the better of Tunisia, who besides a good organisation can count on little else. In all likelihood Deschamps’ men will score at least two goals on this occasion too, and it cannot be ruled out that they will also manage to keep their goal unbroken in light of the Tunisians’ offensive difficulties.
The likely line-ups for Tunisia v France
- TUNISIA (3-4-2-1): Dahmen; Bronn, Meriah, Talbi; Kechrida, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi; Msakni, Sliti; Khazri.
- FRANCE (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Koundé, Upamecano, Varane, T. Hernandez; Guendouzi, Fofana; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappé; Thuram.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 0-2