Tunisia vs Australia, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Tunisia vs Australia Match Prediction & Analysis

France have been handed the task of playing Australia to kick off their World Cup defence, having lifted the trophy in fine fashion four years ago.

On paper, France has a phenomenal squad of players to choose from, arguably the most well-rounded and star-studded of any nation at the competition.

However, we know from previous international tournaments that the French don’t always click as they should. There have been one or two injuries to overcome and a sense that all is not quite rosy in the camp.

As for Australia, they will be looking to improve upon their finish in the last three World Cups, which was to go out in the group stage.

This time around is no different in the sense that they are not expected to progress to the knockout phase, but can at least shape how the rest of the group looks with its results.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Tunisia Preview

FIFA Ranking: 30

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Played well in a tough game against Denmark

     Were clearly spurred on by a large supporting fanbase

Reasons to be fearful:

     Must create more chances in front of goal

     Could be last chance to secure points with France up next

Tunisia gave a solid showing in their opening group match against Denmark. The Danes were expected to go deep into the tournament, so to earn a point from their game show promise.

This group is still finely balanced, of course. Both Denmark and Tunisia still have to play France, who look like they will top the group with three wins from three, unless something dramatic happens. 

Therefore, it could easily come down to goal difference between Tunisia and Denmark, assuming that Australia finish bottom. The problem here is that Tunisia don’t appear to be well-equipped in the goals department.

Despite having a goal ruled out for offside, the North African side showed very little goal threat in their opener. Should they improve that here, however, they could add a precious three points to their tally.

Star Man – Youssef Msakni

Has 17 goals in 85 appearances for Tunisia and will need to show some of that quality in front of goal here. Tunisia should have more opportunities in this game and must be more efficient with their finishing.

Australia Preview

FIFA Ranking: 38

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful

     Taking the lead against France shows confidence

     Can still qualify by winning this one

Reasons to be fearful

     Defence struggled when put under pressure

     Offered very little going forward despite early goal

For just a moment, it appeared as though Australia may be about to send another shock throughout world football, on the very same day that Saudi Arabia fought back to beat the mighty Argentina.

Australia took the lead against France and we all wondered whether the current champions would fall into the same trap that they did back in 2002, when they lost their first game after winning the trophy in 1998.

It wasn’t to be, of course. France bounced back with considerable force, muscling their way through the Socceroos with all the quality we expected from one of the favourites for the tournament.

Now, it leaves Australia on a knife edge. Another defeat here and they can kiss goodbye to their World Cup dreams for another four years. 

A point is just about enough, meaning they would need to beat Denmark in their final game by a considerable scoreline to go through ahead of either Tunisia or the Danes themselves.

It’s a tough ask for a nation that prioritises other sports, like cricket and rugby, but they showed fighting spirit against the French. Now they must go one further, and produce the quality when it really matters. 

Star Man – Craig Goodwin

Gave Australia the perfect start with his back-post goal after just nine minutes. The jubilation didn’t last for the Aussies, but it gave them a World Cup moment to remember.