Qatar World Cup: Tunisia exit after bittersweet win over France
Tunisia failed to advance to the World Cup knockout stages despite a historic win over defending champions France on Wednesday.
The 1-0 win took the Carthage Eagles to the third spot of Group D with four points, missing out on qualification by two points to France and Australia who gained six points each.
The North Africans dominated most of the play until they broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a brilliant effort by Wahbi Khazri. The French-born striker glided past the French defence and put the ball in the net in an impressive individual effort.
The goal briefly put Tunisia in the second spot of the group from which they could have qualified for the first time ever to the last 16 of the tournament.
But the celebrations quickly turned into heartbreak after Australia scored their winning goal in the other match against Denmark and sent Tunisia back to the third spot.
France, who made nine changes for this match from the team that beat Denmark, finished top of the group on goal difference from runners-up Australia.
Tunisia started the tournament with a goalless draw against Denmark before losing 1-0 to Australia in the second match.
They became the third team from the Middle East and North Africa to miss out on qualification after Qatar and Iran crashed out on Tuesday.
All eyes now turn to Saudi Arabia, who need a win in their match with Mexico later on Wednesday to secure qualification, and Morocco, who need a draw from their match against Canada on Thursday to advance.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
