World

Africa

Tunisia

Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

November 5th, 2009 | By: Rami | 82 Comments »

he's baaaack This morning Humberto Coelho dropped the list we’ve all been waiting for. Given the critical importance of the upcoming match versus the Mambas in Maputo, if there was anything out of the ordinary on this roster then there would have been a lot of explaining to do.

In my estimation, we’ve thankfully been spared of such a scenario that would have instilled doubt in the team.

Instead, Coelho has assembled a balanced team filled with logical choices that were dictated by a criteria based on competitiveness and current form. While that may be an ideal that all coaches should subscribe to, we all know that that’s not always how these things work out. In any case, here are your Carthage Eagles who will be defending our World Cup chances next Saturday (November 14th).

Goalkeepers: Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile), Hamdi Kasraoui (Lens), Jassem Khaloufi (CSS)

Defenders: Aymen Abdennour (Etoile), Sofiène Chahed (Hannover 96), Khaled Souissi (CA), Yassine Mikari (Sochaux), Radhouène Felhi (Munich 1860), Seif Ghzel (Young Boys), Ammar Jmal (Etoile), Karim Haggui (Hannover 96)

Midfielders: Khaled Korbi (Esperance), Haythem Mrabet (CSS), Houcine Ragued (Slavia Prague), Jamel Saihi (Montpellier), Oussemma Darragi (Esperance), Zouhaier Dhaouadhi (CA), Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Valenciennes), Chaouki Ben Sâada (OGC Nice)

Strikers: Sami Allagui (Greuther Furth), Amine Chermiti (Al-Ittihad), Issam Jomâa (Lens), Ali Zitouni (Antalyaspor)

Notable Omissions

Lassad Nouioui: Even though he showed this past weekend that he’s slowly beginning to regain his form, this choice is not a dramatic one since Lassad hasn’t done enough in a Tunisia jersey to be counted on in such a pivotal match. We can’t afford to roll the dice in this type of game and I think Coelho made the right call here. No one doubts Lassad has immense talent and will one day figure prominently in our plans but right now replacing him with Chermiti makes perfect sense given the current circumstances.

Tijani Belaid: I’ve yet to see him produce his Slavia form for us. The kid is talented but he shines his brightest when you put him behind the attackers and we’ve never given him that opportunity and won’t hand him the keys to the team at this late stage in the game. The offensive midfielders that have been picked ahead of him are all in better form.

Nabil Taider: This is a mini surprise but not a controversial one because the logic behind it is sound. It’s a surprise because Taider has been a starter for us since he came on board. He put in a fantastic match against Nigeria and a less than stellar performance versus Kenya but its telling that when he’s in shape Coelho doesn’t hesitate to put him in from the get go. However, to my knowledge, the guy hasn’t played a single match with his Greek club since our Saudi Arabia friendly. While Coelho can afford to take Hamdi Kasraoui due to his experience and the nature of the position he plays, he can’t rely on an uncompetitive Taider because he is a midfielder who will be expected to run non stop in Maputo. This shows that our coach is committed to the principles he’s talked about in the past.

Farrouk Ben Mustapha: I only include him in notable omissions because he was on the last list for Kenya and Saudi Arabia. He’s young and inexperienced at this level and as a goalkeeper that’s not going to give you place in the team in this type of make or break affair. Replacing him with Khalloufi who’s been a part of these African trips is understandable even though we all know that Mathlouthi is going to start in Mozambique barring any last minute injuries.

Notable Additions

Amine Chermiti: The kid’s on fire for Al Ittihad these days and on the verge of becoming the first player in history to partake with in two FIFA Club World Cups with two different teams so long as his side handles business in their Asian Champions League final this weekend. I actually think he should have made the last list instead of Nouioui (who at the time was far from a convincing choice). Amine deserves a place in the team because he’s lives for these matches and he loves the spotlight. He is a proven goalscorer in decisive games, is accustomed to playing in Africa, and his morale is as high as can be (especially if he lifts that title on Saturday inshallah). It will be tough for him to unseat Jemaa for a starting place in our team just because we know Coelho (and most coaches) like continuity but if we need a goal in the second half, it is a true luxury to be able to bring someone with Chermiti’s speed and killer instinct off the bench.

Sami Allagui: Again, a selection dictated by current form and not by reputation or bias. Allagui didn’t make the last squad but he’s on this one now and its for the right reasons. He’s playing regularly for Greuther Furth and scored a fantastic goal a couple weeks ago. Sure he’s not a pivotal player for us and may not even get playing time but one thing that hasn’t slipped my mind is that the last time Tunisia put in a convincing attacking output, it was during a friendly versus Sudan where both Chermiti and Allagui were on the field together. We ended up thrashing our visitors by the score of 4-0 with the two diminutive forwards combining on one of the goals (they nearly did it another time but the chance was missed). Might we see a repeat scenario in Maputo if things stay level until late?

There’s more to talk about but I’ll leave that for the discussion in the comments section. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been pretty nervous these last two weeks which I think is totally normal considering how high the stakes are. However, after seeing this roster today I’m feeling better. That isn’t to say that vigilance isn’t important but just an indication of my satisfaction with the players that Coelho has decided to place his bets on.

These guys have it within them to defeat Mozambique come November 14th. There’s no doubt about that. The list is a malleable one with lots of options which will give Coelho maximum flexibility.

Now it’s time to discuss lineups, tactics, and formations so let’s get to it! Based on the list, what’s your ideal starting 11 and probable substitutions?

Forza Tounes!

Tags: Amine Chermiti, Carthage Eagles, FTF, Group H, Humberto Coelho, Lassad Nouioui, Sami Allagui, Tijani Belaid, Tunisia vs. Mozambique

Tunisia World Cup RSS Feed

del.icio.us:Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

digg:Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

newsvine:Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

reddit:Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

fark:Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

Y!:Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

stumbleupon:Coelho Picks 23 For Maputo Matchup: Chermiti Amongst Them

Comments | Add your comment

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 82 comments.

Read the rest of the comments

By Abdullah | November 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

I’m worrying about Ragued guys, he’s making less minutes lately same goes with Belaid.

Demai just scored a goal though

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | November 9th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Hey guys, apparently Jemaa and Kasraoui and our whole team is the Moroccan team actually. This happens so much with our players and its pretty annoying.

http://www.rclensois.fr/a5834-kasraoui-jemaa-maroc.html

Posted from United States

By Nabil | November 9th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Hey…..wait a minute where’s Chamkah???

LOOOOOOOLL

Unreal in this day and age people can’t be bothered to ensure the most basic of facts are spot on.

By Rami | November 9th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Chamakh is actually suspended for Morocco anyways so if we were Morocco he really wouldn’t be on the list You’re right though, wtf? It’s not even difficult. And to think this came from a website that is meant to be paying attention to Lens in particular. They don’t even know where their players are from! Pitiful.

Posted from United States

By Bassem | November 9th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

Rami, lol its a typical form of Racism, even an easy Arabic name Western people can prenounce it wrong, same as tagging everyone who’s medeterainian and has black hair and brown eyes as Moroccan. This counts for the dutch people i don’t know how it works in the rest of the world. Also in managers games you will find Tunisian players pointed out as Moroccans. I can feel your frustration bro but i am getting used to this nonsens.

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | November 9th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

It’s just strange. back in the days when there was no internet maybe this is a little more understandable but now with the world at your fingertips you can’t be excused for something like this. I’ve made silly mistakes like saying Ziani played for Werder Bremen rather than Wolfsburg (the W’s and the green jerseys got me I guess) but when I’m not sure of a player’s nationality it’s so easy to check. You just put their name in google and voila. It’s baffling but maybe I should shut up because perhaps I’ll make a dumb mistake like this one day too. I like to think I won’t though lol.

Posted from United States

By Bassem | November 9th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

In the Netherlands they have also a typical form of racism like; started to whistle when a forgein guy enters a butcher or shop or start caughing or gorgling with his throught like the Italian people have closing there noses when a forgein guy enters. You get used to it for real.

Posted from Netherlands

By Bassem | November 9th, 2009 at 4:32 pm

What a goal by Demai guys, there’s a movie of it on team tunisie.net, i don’t know if its meant to be a shot or a pass but it was great to watch!

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | November 9th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Damn! that was a crazy one Bassem and Abdullah, who mentioned it as well: http://www.team-tunisie.net/video+Aimen+Demai+142

Posted from United States

By Bassem | November 10th, 2009 at 5:31 am

Does some one have any tv links with interviews with our players in Djerba?

Thanks for sharing in advance!

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | November 10th, 2009 at 8:35 am

Here you go Bassem. I’ll probably use them in the preview if nothing new comes along. And the preview is coming today or tomorrow at the latest:

Presentation of the match: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xb31ey_dimanche-sport-4-01112009-tv7_news

(for this next one it takes a few second to get into it but once Lotfi Rhim is done talking it has the whole arrival to Djerba with interviews etc) http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xb326a_dimanche-sport-7-08112009-tv7_news

Posted from United States

By Bassem | November 10th, 2009 at 8:43 am

Thank you very much Ramy!!!

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | November 10th, 2009 at 8:44 am

No prob

Posted from United States

By FG. | November 10th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

Some highlights to Tunisian fans. Dennis Oliech has been confirmed for the Kenya vs Nigeria tie on the 14th of November.

KenyaFootball.com also has links for people to watch the Tunisia vs Mozambique match online.

To read these breaking-news updates and signup for live streaming of Tunisia vs Mozambique in Maputo, click http://www.kenyafootball.com

By Abdullah | November 10th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

Sad news http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/11/10/1617005/breaking-news-germany-goalkeeper-robert-enke-dies-aged-32 a huge loss to Germany and Hannover, he was way too young to die.

Posted from Netherlands

By Rami | November 10th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

Abdullah, that is so terrible Poor guy… RIP Robert Enke and condolences to his family and friends.

Posted from United States

By nkem | November 10th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

Ben Khalifa will change his mind once he is convinced that he will be in the world cup. This will be a tough one because the swiss will also be in the world cup. Are you guys nervous about the match on saturday??

By Achraf | November 10th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

I am very nervous with this match, I just dont know what to expect. Will Jemaa start?Chermiti?Allagui?Zitouni?Chahed? I think Coelho will have some hard choices to make. Especially at the forward position. You have Jemaa who has not been playing much at his club but has experience and is the leading scorer in the qualifiers, You have Chermiti who is the most fit coming from his club playing great minutes and scoring great goals and giving out assists, also he is used to the traveling in Africa, You have a Zitouni who has the most experience at age 28 and on the NT since 1999 and is used to playing in Africa, And you have Allagui who is coming from his club with great performances and played against Mozambique in Rades and drew a penalty for us! So it will be tough for Coelho to choose the right line up, and if he chooses to go with 2 forwards or one?

I think the line up the will give us a win in Maputo is:
————–Balbouli——————
Souissi–Ghzel——–Hagui—Mikari—–
——-Ragued———-Korbi————
Darragi————————Khallfallah
——-Jemaa————-Chermiti——-

I was going to put Zitouni instead of Chermiti but then thought we would need speed in the begining instead of putting him in later.

By thamer | November 11th, 2009 at 12:43 am

im convinced that jemaa is just not a good player at all. he doesnt start for his club and when he does he plays horribly. the only reason hes leading scorer for the national team is because he starts against weak teams. his technique is inferior to both allagui and chermiti and his decision making is vastly inferior to both of theirs. the list would be better if he wasnt on it because that way there’d be no possibility of him playing.

Posted from United States

By Abdullah | November 11th, 2009 at 2:28 am

I think we need to give Zitouni and Jemaa a chance, Jemaa simply hasn’t proven anything lately and according to Coelho’s principles he shouldnt get to play at all.

Its either Zitouni & Chermiti up front or Allagui and Chermiti or Chermiti as a lone striker and Dhaouadi FBK and Darragi on midfield, either way i think there will be only 2 defensive mids this time, and as Rami pointed out before a solid backline where we can’t expect any major changes.

Posted from Netherlands

By Achraf | November 11th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

Great Preview on Goal.com Rami, I agree with everything said. I also like the probable starting 11 you got their with Chermiti and Allagui together.
http://goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/11/11/1618603/world-cup-qualifying-preview-mozambique-tunisia

By Adam Talbi | November 11th, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Yes, great preview Rami, But i think 2-1 against Mozambique isn’t enough we should show Africa that we are one of the 5 best teams in Africa.
we will win a good victory hopefuly and qualify inchallah and win Africa cup 2010 inchallah.

By Rami | November 11th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Thanks guys Achraf, I hope that’s the lineup but we’ll see what actually happens. As you noted, its not an easy decision for Coelho. I trust that he’ll come up with the winning formula and if he doesn’t I hope he knows how to fix it during the game. Adam, I hope just like you that we win big but I don’t know how realistic it is plus I can never put a huge win margin because I try to be objective and this match looks tough to me. Already I put 2-1 and I’m getting accused of favoritism in the comments. I don’t like predictions but hopefully my streak of correct ones (or close to correct ones) for Tunisia continues inshallah (I was way off on Morocco ones and for Algeria less so but still not always right).

Nkem, for sure I’m nervous. Not only is our qualification on the line but I’m also personally invested in them going since I have tickets to attend two group matches should Tunisia qualify (they only get validated if they do). I don’t want my money back from FIFA, I want Tunisia to make it so I can see them but if they don’t I’m still going to South Africa next summer as my flights are booked! I just hope that I’ll be there to support my country and not just to be there. It’ll be fun either way but infinitely more special for me if our Eagles are present.

Abdullah, yea I think two defensive mids will do for this one. It’s time to go balls to the wall. We need to press high and not let Mozambique play. Same system as against Nigeria but this time with two attackers so even more pressure up top. With that said, Coelho might still use three. It’s just hard to tell.

Btw, I think we’re going to wear our new jerseys, hope they bring us luck.

I gathered that from these pictures on Mosaique: http://www.mosaiquefm.net/Tsawer/displayimage.php?album=351&pos=0

Posted from United States

By Hedi | November 12th, 2009 at 8:49 am

Guys, I’m really so nervous about this match…
I really don’t know what will happen, it’s really so hard to tell. I just hope that we don’t play as bad as we did against Kenya, even though we won that game..
Cause if we do, there is no way we’re ever gonna win this match.
This is very very important and we need to be in our best shape and best form throughout the whole match.. But it will be difficult and I find it very difficult to imagine that we will win this match, but inshallah we will!

Posted from Sweden