Tunisia's hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup round of 16 suffered a blow after losing 1-0 to Australia on Saturday afternoon.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Result: Tunisia v Australia
Date: 26 November 2022
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium
The Socceroos made just one change from the big defeat to France, as Fran Karacic replaced Nathaniel Atkinson, while Tunisia withdrew Ben Slimane for Naim Sliti in midfield.The opening stages of the first half proved to be a pretty cagey affair, as neither nation could carve out any serious openings in the respective final thirds.
Australia got the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Craig Goodwin's deflected cross found Mitchell Duke, who sent a fine glancing header into the far corner.
The African giants had to wait until the 40th minute for their first meaningful opening when an un-marked Mohamed Drager was teed up in the box, but Harry Souttar popped up with a superb block.
There was another big chance for Tunisia five minutes later when Issam Jebali did well to pick out captain Youssef Msakni, who failed to hit the target at the near post.
Tunisia carried that momentum into the second half and managed to carve out a couple more chances, although Sliti and Jebali had their efforts blocked in the box.
Coach Jalel Kadri eventually brought on Tunisia talisman Whabi Khazri with 20 minutes to in the second half, as they began to up the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Khazri was presented with a chance to pull Tunisia level on 87 minutes after getting on the end of Wajdi Kechrida's cross, but the midfielder's first-time strike was saved by goalkeeper Matt Ryan.
Tunisia would push to the end, but the Socceroos remained resolute in defence to see out the clash and pick up their second-ever win at the World Cup.
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