Tunisia vs Australia – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Tunisia vs Australia on and what time does it start? Tunisia vs Australia will take place on Saturday 26th November, 2022 – 10:00 (UK)
Where is Tunisia vs Australia taking place? Tunisia vs Australia will take place at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Tunisia vs Australia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Tunisia vs Australia
What channel is Tunisia vs Australia on in the UK? Tunisia vs Australia will be televised live on BBC
Where can I stream Tunisia vs Australia in the UK? Tunisia vs Australia can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
TUNISIA
- A hard-fought 0-0 draw for Tunisia against Denmark means everything is still to play for from their perspective going into the second round of group stage fixtures.
- It would be no surprise if Tunisia were unchanged against Australia, but experienced forward Wahbi Khazri will be desperate for a start, having had to settle for a place on the bench in their opening match.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia stunned reigning world champions France by taking the lead against Les Bleus in the first half, but the quality of Didier Deschamps’ side eventually told, with France bouncing back soon after to win 4-1.
- An ankle injury suffered by defender Nathaniel Atkinson will force Australia to make at least one change to their starting line-up, with Columbus Crew’s Milos Degenek likely to get the nod in his place.
THE TEAM NEWS
TUNISIA
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Dahmen; Bronn, Meriah, Talbi; Drager, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi; Slimane, Msakni; Jebali
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
AUSTRALIA
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Mooy; Leckie, Irvine, McGree, Goodwin; Duke
UNAVAILABLE: Atkinson (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Tunisia and Australia have met once before at a FIFA international tournament with the African nation claiming a 2-0 victory at the Confederations Cup in 2005
- Tunisia are unbeaten in two successive World Cup matches for the first time (W1 D1)
- Tunisia's clean sheet against Denmark was only their second in 16 FIFA World Cup matches, the only other one coming against Germany FR in 1978
- Tunisia have won five of their last six international matches against AFC nations (L1)
- Tunisia have lost only one of their last nine international matches (W5 D3)
- Tunisia have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last nine international matches
- If Tunisia fail to score, it will be the first time they have not scored in two successive World Cup matches since 1998
- Australia are the 15th different nation that Tunisia have faced in what is their 17th World Cup match
- Australia have won only two of their previous 17 FIFA World Cup matches (D4 L11)
- Australia are without a win in their last seven FIFA World Cup matches (D1 L6). Their last victory being a 2-1 win against Serbia in 2010
- Australia have not kept a clean sheet in their last 14 World Cup matches
- Australia have drawn four of their last five international matches against African nations (L1)
- Australia have lost only one of their last eight international matches against African nations (W2 D5)
- Against France, Garang Kuol (18y 68d) became the youngest player to play in a World Cup match for Australia and the ninth youngest overall in the history of the tournament
- Mathew Ryan and Mathew Leckie have made seven World Cup appearances for Australia, only Mark Bresciano and Tim Cahill (both nine) have played more games at the finals for the nation
THE PREDICTION
For Australia, three points is a must for them when considering that not only did they lose their first game, but also suffered a significant blow to their goal difference. Tunisia though, showed real quality against Denmark and whilst they were hanging on towards the end of the match, had done enough in the first half to score, but failed to take their chances. They will see Australia as an opponent they can really take the game to offensively and this should lead to an entertaining affair, as both teams push bodies forward at every opportunity in search of the three points. Therefore, backing both teams to score looks very much the smart play.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
