A Tunisian Turmoil
The Tunisian camp is in turmoil with the immediate sacking of their manager, Sabri Lamouchi, following Tunisia’s 5-1 humiliating loss to Sweden last week, as they take on gritty Japan in Guadalupe, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Hervé Renard Takes Charge…
Tunisia had also received a 5-0 drubbing by Belgium in a warm-up match just before the World Cup began. The Tunisian Football Federation acted quickly to salvage the campaign by appointing Hervé Renard, the former Manager of Saudi Arabia, who had guided the Greens to a famous win over eventual Champions Argentina in the last World Cup.
… With Focus on Strengthening The Defence
Renard would be focusing on packing the defence and making it more resolute. Against quality forwards from Sweden, the Tunisian defence had simply crumbled, and against Japan, too, the pressure would be immense.
Firas Chaouat Needs To Come Good
A lot will also be expected from Firas Chaouat, Tunisia’s primary goalscoring threat, while Yan Valery and Ali Abdi will have to put in a strong performance in defence.
The Samurai Face A Kubo Blow…
The Samurai, on the other hand, will be without their mainstay, Takefusa Kubo, who injured his knee in the draw against the Netherlands, and may not participate in the World Cup going forward. With Mitoma not available, Kubo’s absence will be a big blow.
… But Have Resolute Surviving Skills And Will Be Favorites
But the Japs are a gritty lot and will fight it out come what may. Twice they neutralised the Dutch lead last week and forced a 2-2 draw, and against Tunisia, they will be the favourites to secure full points.
It Will Be The 1000th Match: A Historical One
The match also has historical significance as it will be the 1000th match in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
There is a lot to play for in Group F. There is a lot of pride at stake.
Sunday, June 21, 9.30 am IST, Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe
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