France’s World Cup match against Tunisia was marred by late drama. The reigning champions believed they had scored an equaliser in injury time.
Antoine Griezmann, who had Les Bleus 1-0 down in the 98th, looked like he was making it 1-1 by firing a low shot to the net.
While the French rejoiced, believing they had avoided losing, Tunisian hearts fell.
The celebrations were short-lived as VAR intervened to disallow the goal and recommended a pitchside review.
Matthew Conger, the referee, saw his monitor and declared Griezmann offside.
This victory meant that Tunisia won a famous victory against Didier Deschamps’ men.
Wahbi Khazri, an ex-Sunderland player, scored a brilliant goal in the 58th minutes to ensure his team’s first World Cup victory against European rivals after 11 previous attempts.
They failed to make it to the 16th round despite their famous victory, having lost to Denmark 1-0 in the other group D game.
Australia joins France at the knockout stage, finishing with six points. Tunisia, on four points, and Denmark, one point, exit.
France had qualified for the final 16 after having won their two first group games.
Coach Deschamps decided to rest Griezmann, Kylian Mabappe, and many of his regular starters against the North African team.
Only four of the eight teams that gathered at the start had ever started a World Cup match before.
Khazri stated that he did not believe France disrespected Tunisia through fielding a weaker team.
“A lack respect?” No. Khazri stated that (Aurelien Tchouameni) plays for Real Madrid, as does (Eduardo Camavinga).
It’s an honor to play against them. “I grew up in Corsica, so it’s an amazing honor to be able to play at the World Cup.
However, Khazri’s goal prompted Deschamps and Griezmann to bring in Mbappe, Griezmann, and the increased urgency nearly led to them getting back to level terms.
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