Coach : Roger Lemerre
A coach of some pedigree who took France to the European Championships in 2000 and Confederations Cup the year after but was dismissed after the 2002 World Cup capitulation. He then took Tunisia to African Nations Cup glory in 2004 on home soil.
Key Players:
Full-back Hatem Trabelsi is temperamental but the most high-profile and experienced player in the Tunisia squad. Hamed Namouchi offers a real outlet up front while Dos Santos has real creativity.
Form Guide:
Tunisia had one of the easier qualification groups and finished top ahead of Morocco, Guinea and Kenya.
Form Versus Countries In Group:
Tunisia have not met Spain, Ukraine or Saudi Arabia in the World Cup finals but can expect to hold their own against the Saudis but may be out of their depth against Spain and Ukraine.
Style Of Play:
While Trabelsi is a leading light in the squad he does not have too much influence from full-back. Jaidi helps contain at the back while Gmamdia is a highly-rated attacking player and Namouchi's all-round qualities leading the line are the focal points.
Group Verdict:
It doesn't look good for Lemerre's side. Spain may underachieve but it would take something spectacular to enable the north Africans to progress. |
