After the very good performance against Denmark, Tunisia had the opportunity to take a serious option on qualifying for the round of 16 of the World Cup. But it was ultimately Australia that won. After their heavy defeat against France, the Socceroos achieved a great deal by winning against the Tunisians thanks to a goal from Mitchell Duke (1-0).
Aymen Dahmen (5) : Quite a bizarre match for the Tunisian goalkeeper who was little used, but can’t do anything about the Duke goal. Very frustrating situation for Dahmen since he conceded a goal without even touching a ball (25th). He will also spend a very quiet second half.
Dylan Bronn (4.5) : Less serene than against Denmark, the former Messin was more discreet and put in difficulty in the aerial field by the Australians. Less prominent than his two friends. Replaced by Wajdi Kechrida (not rated) in the 73rd minute of play.
Yassine Meriah (5) : He started the match with several good interventions in the aerial field, while being less comfortable with the ball at his feet, like this dangerous loss of ball ultimately without consequence (14th). He is also beaten by Duke who takes over in the air on the opening of the Australian score (25th). Failing behind his back and it takes a return from Talbi to replace him (40th). But Meriah did, however, make some important interventions in the second half as Tunisia pushed in an attempt to come back to score.
Montassar Talbi (5) : Like his comrades in the centre, he was seriously moved at the start of the match by the Australians. The Lorient player is however the author of a beautiful cover which allows him to put an end to a good Australian opportunity (40th). Less involved in the second half, he tried to tackle the offensive surplus. In vain.
Mohamed Dräger (5.5) : Solid in his right lane at the start of the match, he multiplied the defensive interventions. Always very available, he is notably the author of a long shot that goes over (20th), but above all a very big chance on a mismatch from Msakni (41st). But while he took a lot of hits, he was replaced at half-time by Ferjani Sassi (4.5).
Ellyes Shkiri (4) : Placed in the double pivot alongside Laïdouni, the former MHSC player was also rather discreet. Not stingy in efforts, he did not however weigh on the Tunisian game. In the first half, he even suffered from the impact put in the midfield by the Australians.
Aissa Laidouni (4.5) : The strong man of Tunisia during the draw obtained against Denmark, Laïdouni was eagerly awaited. But he always shows great generosity, this time he did not weigh on the match and seemed less in shape. Frustrated by Tunisia’s failed start to the match, he even made a big mistake which earned him a warning (26th), a symbol of his difficulties. Replaced by Wahbi Khazri (not rated) in the 67th minute of play, his first appearance in this World Cup.
Ali Abdi (4) : Very discreet in his left lane in the first period, the player from Stade Malherbe de Caen was much less influential on the Tunisian game than against Denmark. Less available, he also struggled defensively in the first period. Warned for ending a counter Australia (64th).
Naim Sliti (3.5) : The only novelty of the starting lineup of Jalel Kadri, the native of Marseille took advantage of his good start against Denmark to take a starting place. Nevertheless, Sliti absolutely did not weigh on the Tunisian attacking game in the first period when he had to bring his technical quality to make the attacks more fluid. A little more active during the second act, the former LOSC player did not however bring more and failed to make a difference.
Youssef Msakni (6.5) : The captain of Tunisia was clearly the most dangerous player in his team. Without finding the fault. Author of a somewhat long control over the first Tunisian irruption in the opposing area (19th), Mskani has another interesting opportunity in the 36th minute, but his shot is blocked. In the aftermath, he shifts Dräger well for the biggest Tunisian chance of the first period (41st), before another huge chance before the break, but his shot misses right next to the Australian cage (45 + 2nd). In the second half, Mskani will once again dictate the Tunisian tempo with a great opportunity, but this time, he stumbles on the opposing goalkeeper (71st) before continuing with a slightly more distant shot (72nd), also captured by Matt Ryan. Hyper active, Mskani will have tried everything, but he only missed one goal in his very good performance.
Issam Jebali (6) : First big pressing on the Australian defense which set the tone. But it is especially at the end of the first period that he stands out by being at the origin of the biggest Tunisian opportunity of the first act by resisting the Australian defense (41st). He continues with a magnificent pass for Msakni who does not find the target (45 + 2nd). Very generous, Jebali does not count his efforts and struggles on the front of the attack, but he was too lonely in the first period. More discreet in the second half, he will drop in pace physically. Replaced by Taha Yassine Khenissi (not rated) in the 73rd minute
