Tunisia to Learn from CAN Defeat

Following an epic battle with Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup, Carthage Eagles coach Roger Lemerre said his team will apply the lessons it learned in Egypt when it plays in Germany this summer.

“Penalty kicks are always a kind of lottery. In 2004, we were lucky and now Nigeria got the luck. We accept our defeat,” said Lemerre. “However, we have gained a lot from this tournament and hope to put some of these lessons to good use at the World Cup in Germany.”

This is a good way of spinning a heartbreaking defeat, but I agree with the coach’s sentiments. Playing a tough Nigeria team toe to toe for 120 minutes is great preparation for what lies ahead in the World Cup. The Carthage Eagles showed that they can defend and that Lemerre’s system will keep them in games. My concern is with the offense. With teams focusing on Dos Santos, there needs to be other players who can step forward to net some goals. Defender Karim Haggui came through today but it is going to take more than an occasional goal from the backline if Tunisia wants to advance out of Group H in Germany.