Tunisia 2 : Saudi Arabia 2

This match had me emotionaly all over the place. First I was extatic, Then i was dissapointed, then i was davastated, then i was mildly satisfied.

Let us say that Saudi Arabia had better chemistry and played better as a team, meaning they were able to transition from defense to midfield to attack , especially as we saw on their 2nd goal. Tunisia main problem was connecting a pass between their midfield and their strikers. Jaziri played his heart out and I am really impressed by his dribbling and his speed. His “karate kick” goal had me dancing around the room.

It seemed like the 2nd striker Chikhaoui was not helping in attack but stuck somewhere in midfield and I think Jaziri missed his partner in crime Santos . As you saw, both Tunisian goals were when Tunisia actually got the ball in the box whether it be in set pieces or in play they can be very dangerous. The never had many chances during the match. Many times there was an opportunity for a cross but the player for whatever reason didnt cross the ball in. In the end Jaidi’s wonderful header from a well placed Jaziri cross equalized and saved Tunisias chances.

Things that should have happened:
The first goal by Saudi Arabia could have been prevented because Jaidi was shoulder to shoulder with the goalscorer but for some reason he stoped running so the ball was able to reach the Saudi player for the first goal.

Perhaps Jaziri should have gotten a penalty in the begining, he was tripped on another occasion as well with no call.

Tunisia should not have tried to accept a win with one goal or even a draw , they should have fought back harder much earlier. Just like Spain kept attacking today even though they were wining

The midfield has to be sorted out In a way that allows midfielders to work with the strikers instead of feeding the strikers and leaving the score alone.

—-It is up to Tunisia and Saudia Arabia now to try their best against Ukraine and Spain and whoever of the two can do better can go to the 2nd round hopefully. More thoughts soon

Tunisia: Boumnijel, Haggui, Trabelsi, Jaidi, Jemmali, Mnari, Bouazizi (Nafti 54), Chedli (Ghodhbane 69), Namouchi, Jaziri, Chikhaoui (Essediri 82).
Subs Not Used: Ayari, Ben Saada, Gmamdia, Kasraoui, Melliti, Nefzi, Saidi, Santos, Yahia.

Booked: Haggui, Bouazizi, Chedli, Chikhaoui.

Goals: Jaziri 23, Jaidi 90.

Saudi Arabia: Zaid, Dokhi, Tukar, Al Montashari, Sulimani, Al Ghamdi, Noor (Ameen 75), Khariri, Aziz, Al Temyat (Mouath 66), Al Kahtani (Al Jaber 82).
Subs Not Used: Al Anbar, Al Bahri, Al Daeyea, Al Harthi, Al Qadi, Al Shlhoub, Khathran, Khojah, Massad.

Goals: Al Kahtani 57, Al Jaber 84.

Att: 66,000.

Ref: Mark Shield (Australia).

Fifa man of the match: Ziad Jaziri.