Key events
Camavinga at left-back looks interesting to watch. Can Tunisia make the most of central midfield playing out of position?
Elsewhere… you can join Scott Murray for Australia against Denmark. I would probably open two tabs.
Get stuck in The Knowledge.
Tunisia boss Jalel Kadri has previously said he will quit if he fails to get the team out of the group. Will he be a man of his word?
“Let’s wait for the result of the match and we’ll see. We are people who bear responsibility and I hope to be able to answer your question after the game.
As we suspected, France made a plethora of changes (nine to be precise). It’s good that the players have the chance to play in a World Cup, but Denmark and Australia will be furious if Tunisia succeed.
Starting lineups
Tunisia (3-4-3): Dahmen; Ghandri, Talbi, Meriah; Kechrida, Maaloul, Skhiri, Laidouni; Ben Slimane, Ben Romdhane, Khazri.
France (4-4-2): Mandanda; Disasi, Varane, Konate, Camavinga; Guendouzi, Tchouaméni, Fofana, Veretout; Kolo Muani, Coman.
As mentioned earlier, 10 players in the Tunisian team were born in France. Montassar Talbi will put his emotions aside for the match.
“I was born in France, I have a lot of friends in France, but it’s still a football game in the end,” said the Lorient defender. “Even the players born in France, we wear the Tunisia jersey and we will give everything.
“It’s a special game for our families in France but as a player you always want to play as well as possible and represent your country.”
Didier Deschamps says he is ready to rest Kylian Mbappe for this match. Will he?
“His physical condition is good, so we don’t need to deal with that,” Deschamps said. “Maybe then you ask about his ego. Kylian doesn’t have a big ego. Of course he’s an important player, a key player, but he’s a team player.
“Of course he’s a star because he’s such a vital player, but he’s not 18 anymore. He has a bit more experience. He still wants to play but that’s true for all players “Not everyone can start tomorrow. There are a lot of factors to consider.”
Get ready with the Football Daily…
Preamble
The rather tedious news is that France have already passed and could therefore leave a few of their big names for this game. They have earned the right to rest their star names and allow the smaller lights of the team to get a few minutes under their belt before the knockout stages. Let’s be honest, they will always put a decent side.
Tunisia, on the other hand, will do everything to make the most of their chances of progress. They need to win and Australia draw with Denmark to qualify for the knockout stages, which would be an incredible achievement for the country. Alternatively, if Denmark and Tunisia win, the goal-to-goal difference will be reduced, which will be fun. Even against a French second string, it’s a bit like asking Tunisia to obtain the expected result.
The good news for Tunisia is that they know their French football: 10 of their squad were born in France. This might give them a slight advantage over another opponent.
This tournament has already provided some upheaval, maybe it could be another.
Kick off: 15:00 GMT.
