Istafa Ali
Tunisia knew they had to win the match in order to advance, so they got off to a strong start.
Goalscorer Khazri posed a threat, while France’s Eduardo Camavinga frequently faced overload in the wide area and required assistance from Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate.
The crowd was overwhelmingly in favour of Tunisia, who received a brief burst of joy when Nader Ghandri’s shot sailed past goalie Steve Mandanda before being disallowed for offside.
As the first half carried on, Tunisia fans’ impatience began to emerge, despite their unwavering support, as chances after chances presented themselves, but goalie Mandanda did not appear to be about to concede.
Then, in a miraculous manoeuvre, Khazri made room for himself on the box’s edge and
Despite their victory, they were unable to advance to the World Cup’s round of 16.
Substitute At the Education City Stadium, Antoine Griezmann volleyed in a thrilling equaliser, but the VAR judgement ensured that Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazi’s spectacular second-half goal proved to be the winner.
Before Griezmann’s goal was overturned, Tunisia’s prospects of moving on had been shattered, as Australia defeated Denmark 1-0 in the other Group D encounter.
Tunisia’s manager, Jalel Kadri, remarked, “It’s mixed feelings because we’re thrilled to beat a team like France.
“Although it is a bitter triumph, we may be proud and go away with our heads held high.
“It would have been lovely to defeat France and advance to the round of 16.”
France advanced to the round of 16 as group champions after defeating Denmark in the final match to guarantee qualifying.
Khazi, the captain of Tunisia, drove to the edge of the box and calmly rolled it into the bottom right corner to give fans what they had been waiting for: a goal at this World Cup.
A sizable crowd of Tunisia supporters at the stadium broke out in tears as Tunisian substitutes sprinted onto the field in a moment of unbridled joy.
However, their joy was short-lived as fans checked their phones for updates from the other Group D match as word of Australia’s lead spread throughout the stadium.
