Tunisia and Australia take on each other in the second group game as both are favorites to be eliminated with France and Denmark in their World Cup group. Both countries entered the contest as outright underdogs in a group that also included the world champions France and the Euro 2020 semifinalist Denmark. But Tunisia managed to hold the Danes to a ferociously competitive 0-0 stalemate. Australia seized the lead in their match with France, but they were only able to maintain it for 18 minutes. After his team’s 4-1 defeat, Graham Arnold groggily admitted, “That’s why they’re world champs.”
Tunisia team news
Bechir Ben Said, the backup goalkeeper for Tunisia, overcame a muscle issue that threatened to prevent him from competing on the tournament’s opening day. However, against Denmark, the US Monastir shot-stopper only served as a warm-up substitute. This weekend, Jalel Kadri should be able to choose from all 26 players on the Carthage Eagles roster.
Australia team news
Martin Boyle’s absence from the World Cup on the first day was confirmed as Australia had to deal with a number of injuries on the eve of the competition. Although he didn’t come off the bench against France, Marco Tilio took over for the Hibernian winger. The option of “certainly replacing guys, and making sure we get some fresh ones out there,” Arnold acknowledged, is available. It would be interesting to watch whether he decides to make a number of changes before a crucial group stage match.
Tunisia vs Australia World Cup score prediction
In their country, more than 30,000 noisy Tunisian voices raged against Denmark. Although Kadri praised the supporters for their psychological support, he also emphasized that “tactically and physically, we did well well.” France “was just so much bigger, faster, and stronger than us,” said Australia’s Arnold. Tunisia may prove to be a physical mismatch for the Socceroos given their tough performance and traveling support. Tunisia may have enough to eliminate Arnold’s “boxing kangaroos” from the competition in a match that both teams would have aimed for as a golden opportunity to get all three points.
Prediction: Tunisia 2-1 Australia
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