The final round of matches in Group D pits already-qualified France against Tunisia in Al Rayyan today. Only a point is needed for the defending World Cup champions to win the group and land a potentially plum tie for the last-16.
Kylian Mbappe has led Les Bleus with distincion in Qatar, more than making up for the loss of Karim Benzema to injury. Didier Deschamps has decided to rest his star forward and make several changes however, given the fact a pair of wins has already guaranteed them a knockout tie on the weekend.
Tunisia are not out of the World Cup though, and need to produce what would be a huge upset to win today and stand a chance of beating both Australia and Denmark to enter the last-16 for the first time at the sixth attempt. Follow Tunisia vs France LIVE with Standard Sport’s match blog!
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Tunisia 0-0 France, 22 minutes
There is a fair bit of hostility from the Tunisian fans every time France touch the ball – it is a complex geopolitical history between the two nations, and the North African supporters caused a bit of a stir in 2008 when they jeered Hatem Ben Arfa, who is of Tunisian heritage, when the midfielder opted to represent the country of his birth. It feels like the noise is lifting the Tunisian side, who have been far more energetic than a lethargic France so far.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 19 minutes
Eduardo Camavinga looks rather more comfortable moving forward from that left-back role than when asked to defend. He forays up the touchline, connecting with Randal Kolo Muani, who France haven’t quite yet got into the game. The striker wins a throw in high up on the left.
Tunisia managed to force France back, though. They will be pleased with their start.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 16 minutes
Olé! Delicious from Aisa Laidouni, drawing Eduardo Camavinga and then leaving the Real Madrid midfielder-cum-left-back firmly on his derriere with a delightful nutmeg.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 14 minutes
Wahbi Khazri has begun strongly, fizzing about, but that’s a pretty clear dive – squeezed out by two French defenders and theatrically throwing himself to the deck.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 12 minutes
Axel Disasi is forced to turn a header behind after Tunisia again progress well, this time up the right.
Too much curl – the corner kick drifts on to the top of the net with Steve Mandanda untroubled, raising only a perfunctory arm.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 11 minutes
Has Didier Deschamps made too many changes? There is precious little rhythm to this French performance so far. It’s a bit of a midfield of misfits who would all most like to be playing centrally, and it hasn’t quite clicked so far.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 8 minutes
Offside! Tunisia’s joy is short-lived!
It’s a shame, too – that’s a superb finish from Nader Ghandri, getting a run on the defender and then flicking powerfully through Steve Mandanda’s raised gloves with a leaping volley. But he’d nudged forth too soon – he’s half a yard offside and up goes the flag to quickly end Tunisia’s celebrations.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 6 minutes
France haaven’t yet settled. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane turns Aurelien Tchouameni wonderfully with a flick from the outside of his boot, showing good speed to stride away from the midfielder, who is forced to clip his heels. Wahbi Khazri will deliver from the left…
Tunisia 0-0 France, 5 minutes
It’s a good delivery, too, from Ali Maaloul, curling on to the six-yard line with Steve Mandanda opting not to come, but there is no Tunisian there to direct it goalwards, allowing Raphael Varane to hook clear.
Tunisia 0-0 France, 4 minutes
This is a spritely enough start from Tunisia. Anis Ben Slimane earns a corner of a French leg after trying to swing in a cross from the byline.
