Skip to main content

World Cup 2022: Tunisia secure crucial point in tight draw with Denmark

Carthage Eagles start their campaign with an inspiring display following the historic Saudi Arabia win
Tunisia's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri applauds after the finale whistle of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Denmark and Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on 22 November 2022 (AFP)
Tunisia's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, left, applauds after the finale whistle of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Denmark and Tunisia on 22 November 2022 (AFP)

Tunisia won a crucial point in their World Cup opener against Denmark after an inspiring display following Saudi Arabia’s historic win against Argentina earlier in the day. 

Pushed by the passionate cheering of the thousands of Tunisian fans at Doha’s Education City Stadium, the Carthage Eagles held the Danes to a 0-0 draw.

Tunisia started the match strong with Issam Jebali scoring a goal in the 23rd minute which was ruled for offside. 

World Cup 2022: Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in major upset
Read More »

The Danes did most of the attacking in the second half, hitting the woodwork once and forcing Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to make crucial saves. 

Tunisia defended resolutely and threatened on the counter as the Danes struggled to break them down, and in the end, their fans were delighted with a point that set them up for their next game against Australia, while Denmark face France.

Before the tournament started, the odds of Denmark winning outright were 33-1 while Tunisia’s odds were 1000-1. 

The draw for Tunisia, placed 30 in Fifa’s ranking against Denmark, which is 10th, is the second good result for Arab teams in the tournament which is held for the first time in the Middle East. 

Qatar started with a disappointing loss to Ecuador on Sunday but Saudi Arabia’s historic win against Argentina earlier on Tuesday was widely celebrated among Arab fans. 

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.