Socceroos hold final training as they look to bounce back against Tunisia
Australia and Tunisia are going head to head in a crucial Group D match at the Qatar World Cup.
Both sides are looking for their first win of the tournament at the Al Janoub Stadium, after Tunisia shared a goalless draw with Denmark in their opening match, while Australia were well beaten by the reigning champions France. Any victory here will give the winners a real shot at progressing to the knockout rounds, with France and Denmark meeting later today, in which these two sides will be hoping France can inflict maximum damage in order to open up second spot in the group.
Tunisia and Australia have met only twice before: the Australians won a friendly in 1997, and Tunisia won their only competitive meeting at the 2005 Confederations Cup.
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Tunisia vs Australia
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England booed off after USA draw in latest underwhelming World Cup display
England’s chances of winning this World Cup right now look as far away as this supposed protest against Qatar’s laws and attitude to LGBTQ+. Such present concerns also had historical echoes. England still haven’t beaten USA in a World Cup match. Much more relevantly, they for long periods looked an inferior team in this dismal 0-0 draw. They had fewer chances and much less impetus and energy.
It means that, far from going and lifting this trophy, England must currently be much more concerned with going out. That is the position Gareth Southgate’s side have now put themselves in.
And while it would take an awful lot for a faltering Wales to turn this group around in the final game and eliminate England, we are talking about a team that went from rampantly putting six past Iran to one barely able to muster a shot on target at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 09:32
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Latest odds
Tunisia are the favourites with the bookmakers to take the win in this one. Here are the latest odds from Betfair for today’s opening game:
Michael Jones26 November 2022 09:27
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Tunisia vs Australia
The Socceroos seem up for this one. Tunisia represent their best chance of picking up a win at this tournament, who will come out on top today?
Michael Jones26 November 2022 09:23
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Tunisia vs Australia team changes
There is just one change to the Tunisia side who drew with Denmark in their opening game. Forward Naim Sliti comes in to replace Brondby’s Anis Slimane who drops to the bench.
Australia also make a change following their defeat to defending champions France. Fran Karacic replaces injured Hearts defender Nathaniel Atkinson in the starting XI.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 09:15
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Tunisia vs Australia
Less than an hour to go until kick off in this Group D encounter. The fans are flocking to the stadium and the atmosphere is building nicely.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones26 November 2022 09:08
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Tunisia vs Australia line-ups
Tunisia XI: Dahmen, Bronn, Meriah, Talbi, Drager, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi, Sliti, Jebali, Msakni
Australia XI: Ryan, Karacic, Souttar, Rowles, Behich, McGree, Mooy, Irvine, Leckie, Duke, Goodwin
Michael Jones26 November 2022 09:04
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Tunisia vs Australia prediction
This could be a game of fine margins but Tunisia should have just enough of an edge in terms of quality to get over the line. Tunisia 1-0 Australia.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 09:00
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Tunisia vs Australia
Tunisia’s only win in their last 13 group-stage games since 1998 came against Panama four years ago. They’ll have their sights on three points today.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 08:55
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Tunisia vs Australia
This is just the third meeting between Tunisia and Australia in all competitions – Australia won 3-0 in a friendly in October 1997, before Tunisia won 2-0 at the 2005 Confederations Cup.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 08:52
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England turn to Wales after goalless World Cup draw with USA
Gareth Southgate is braced for the volume to turn up a notch at this “tournament of external noise” after stuttering England football team were held to a 0-0 draw by the United States.
Expectations were high after kicking off the World Cup with a 6-2 thrashing of Iran, only to be given a reality check in Friday’s Al Khor contest.
Christian Pulisic rattled the crossbar in the first half as Gregg Berhalter’s American side threatened to cause an upset against an England team that created precious little across the 90 minutes.
The goalless draw meant Southgate’s side blew the chance to wrap up progress to the knockout phase with a game to spare, leading to loud jeers echoing around Al Bayt Stadium at the final whistle.
Michael Jones26 November 2022 08:43