FIFA World Cup Match Preview: Tunisia vs France

Group D

Tunisia v France 

17:00 kick-off 

Match background

Tunisia can continue Africa's fairytale after continental rivals Senegal clinched qualification to the knockout phase of the competition with an impressive victory over Ecuador on Tuesday. 

It should be noted, however, that perhaps the Lions of Teranga faced a lesser opposition, while Les Bleus are the defending champions and, even if coach Didier Deschamps opts for line-up rotation, will still be a formidable side.

The North Africans have already shown true grit in Qatar when they registered a memorable goalless draw in their opening game against dark horses Denmark. 

But what counts is the end product and beating the title holders will surely make a huge statement, not only for Tunisia but to remind the rest of the world of Africa's potential when at their very best at this level. 

Although France are already through to the round of 16, finishing top of the group undoubtedly remains important as they look to avoid teams considered the big guns – even if that isn’t always the case in tournament football as we know. 

Team News

Tunisia

At his news conference ahead of the match, coach Jalel Kadri said all the right things that would have made his players – if they were listening – proud to be led by him on world football’s biggest stage.

“The message I convey to our players is nothing is impossible, we are still alive, we are still motivated and we will be ready for this last battle. We still have high hopes. I believe in the players and hopefully, we will be lucky and move onto the next phase,” he said. 

Kadri is expected to still select his strongest side as the Eagles of Carthage go for broke in an attempt to topple the Danish and Aussies, who they will be hoping play to a draw. 

France

The job is done for Deschamps and his men for now… Mathematically, top spot in Group D remains at stake but their healthy goal difference has them at least six goals to the good heading into the final round of group matches.

But more significantly, a perfect record at the World Cup so far will maintain their profile and pedigree in their quest to retain their status as the best football team in the world.

It means the coach has the luxury to rest players and give those on the fringes an opportunity to get minutes and perhaps convince him of more game time in the round of 16.

There have been questions over whether Descamps would be brave enough to rest a player as good as on-form striker Kylian Mbappé, who has netted three times at the tournament so far.

“The team who will play tomorrow will do everything to get the best possible result, even if I have this possibility to shuffle things around. Generally speaking, all the players want to play but they cannot all start,” said the coach.

Players to watch

Youssef Msakni 

Age: 31

Club: Al-Arabi SC (Qatar)

Tunisia will need his leadership now more than ever and, with 17 goals in 90 caps, Msakni has the experience to step up and deliver.

But this may already be a bridge too far, aiming to beat the world champions while at the same time desperate for results elsewhere to go their way.

Having missed the 2018 tournament in Russia, this is his first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.

Kingsley Coman 

Age: 26

Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)

The winger has come off the bench in the two previous group matches against Australia and Denmark, so with an expected rotation, Coman will likely get his chance in the starting line-up against the North Africans.

His versatility in attack also makes him an asset for the coach, giving him the option to use Coman on either wing or behind the focal point up front.