Tunisia lost to Australia by a lone goal in the early kick-off fixture at the Al Janoub Stadium in their second Group D match.
The Carthage Eagles were hoping to get Africa’s second win at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament, following Senegal’s triumphant 3-1 battling of the hosts Qatar.
Attacking midfielder Naim Sliti replaced Brondby IF’s Anis Ben Slimane in the starting line-up for the North African side, while in the starting XI for Graham Arnold’s men, injured Australian right-back Nathaniel Atkinson gave way for Fran Karacic after sustaining an ankle injury in his sides opener.
Chances were far and few between both sides in the early stages but the Socceroos took the lead in the 25th minute from a Mitchell Duke glancing header past Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen following a deflected cross by Craig Goodwin from the left flank.
Fullback Mohamed Drager thought he had levelled proceedings when he latched on to a pass from teammate Issam Jebali after a quick throw-in from the left-hand side but Stoke City’s Harry Souttar, in defence for Australia, had other ideas – denying Drager with a tremendous block on the goal line.
Tunisia’s best chance of the half fell to winger Youssef Msakni after fine work by Jebali on the right flank to play the winger through on goal but Msakni couldn’t find the back of the net, shooting wide off the right post.
Msakni was in action again, forcing two quick saves from Australia’s goalkeeper Matt Ryan; the winger was far from clinical as his six shots on goal were the most for the Jalel Kadri-led side.
Fan favourite Wahbi Kazri was brought on in the second half but was unable to change the final outcome of the match.
Australia grabbed their first win at the World Cup since 2010 in South Africa, boosting their chances of proceeding to the Round of 16, while Tunisia would be hoping Les Blues can get a win against Denmark to aid their hopes of going through to the next round.
Tunisia will hope to upset the defending champions France in their last group stage game at the Education City Stadium, while Australia will lock horns with Denmark at the Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday.
