They played their part but the Australian favour did not come to pass.
Tunisia beat France … but bow out of World Cup
Tunisia have bowed out of the FIFA World Cup despite beating defending champions France. The North Africans needed favour from Australia facing Denmark in the other group match and needed maximum points against France.
France fall to Tunisia
France, having secured qualification named a much-changed squad resting nine starters, perhaps due to the high rate of injuries that have plagued the team both before and at the tournament.
Veteran goalie Mandanda was handed responsibility between the sticks resting Hugo Lloris, Disasi, Konate, Camavinga; Coman, Veretout, Guendouzi; Kolo Muani were given the starting role.
Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, among other stars were rested.
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Handed a perfect lifeline, Tunisia shook France in the second half with Wahbi Khazri finding the back of the net.
Youssouf Fofana lost the ball in midfield, stopped and appealed as Tunisia played on with the ball quickly played to Wahbi Khazri, who ghosted past Raphael Varane before slotting in.
The goal paid off Tunisia’s relentless efforts that had yielded no fruit.
Not wanting to progress to the last 16 with a loss, Didier Deschamps brought on Mbappe to replace Kingsley Coman while William Saliba and Adrien Rabiot are on for Raphael Varane and Jordan Veretout.
The fresh legs would give France the offensive play and Griezmann thought he had rescued the Les Blues from defeat in added time but the effort was disallowed.
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A bitter-sweet victory for Tunisia as France and Australia advance to the last 16.
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