Above all, they are good at defence: Tunisia’s games are rarely attractive. But almost always very unpleasant for the opponent. Also at the World Cup?
The trainer
The story of Jalel Kadri proves the strange ways in which one can become national coach these days. The 50-year-old was Tunisian assistant coach under boss Mondher Kebaier at the Africa Cup of Nations 2022 in Cameroon until he was out before the round of 16 game against Nigeria due to a Covid disease. Kadri stepped up as boss, defeating Nigeria 1-0 and unceremoniously staying in his new post. Despite losing the quarter-finals to Burkina Faso, Kebaier was not allowed to return to office after the tournament – Kadri stayed.
His coaching career is almost unknown in Europe. He has been working in North Africa for 14 years – so far sometimes as a head coach, sometimes as an assistant at first or second division teams. He has developed into a real migratory bird – almost no season went by without a change of club. By qualifying for the World Cup finals, he managed a big surprise.
The star
Youssef Msakni will be 30 in October. Actually not an age for football professionals, but Msakni is slowly gnawing at the ravages of time. Which also has to do with his enormous workload. The elegant and prolific midfielder is often dubbed ‘Tunisia’s Lionel Messi’. As such, he made his debut in 2008, when he was just 17, at Esperance Tunis, the largest Tunisian club. And is still indispensable for Tunisia’s national team today.
Everything goes through him: Youssef Msakni
Msakni developed into a key player in the club and in the national team – despite numerous offers, the down-to-earth guy always stayed true to his homeland. It’s still the case today: when Tunisia, which is geared towards defensive football, becomes really dangerous in goals, one person is usually involved: Youssef Msakni.
Players to watch
Ellyes Skhiri is a key player and head of the team alongside Msakni. The six, who are loyal to the system, are tactically extremely disciplined and determine the rhythm of the team. Skhiri made a name for himself in the Bundesliga with 1. FC Köln. A number of well-known clubs were interested in signing the 27-year-old last summer, who spent his youth and early senior years at HSC Montpellier in France.
In addition to Skhiri could with Hannibal Mejbri one of the greatest Tunisian talents at the World Cup. The 19-year-old who Manchester United is under contract is currently at the second division Birmingham City on loan, where he is gaining experience in the sixth position. Mejbri is described as a “dynamo” who still has a lot to learn tactically. His energy is enormous, but sometimes he overshoots the mark.
special
Tunisia is a football crazy country and has one of the strongest leagues in Africa. Esperance Tunis, the largest and most well-known club in particular, can never be ignored in the African Champions League when it comes to the annual title. The passion for football in the country has grown even greater since the revolution in the country worsened the economic situation once again. Unemployment is a huge problem – especially among the younger generation.
As compensation, I like to go to soccer, where the games in the national league are played with great passion and often with even greater toughness. With Änis Ben Hatira, a Berlin player with Tunisian roots moved to the Monastir club in his parents’ home country in the autumn. “The passion and passion for football is incredibly great”he says.
World Cup Chances
France, Denmark, Australia – the World Cup opponents Tunisia in Group D appear overwhelming for the underdog from Africa. The individual quality of the Tunisian players does not even come close to that of the competition. But don’t underestimate the team either.
As proven defensive specialists, the Tunisians like to drive the competition to despair, especially in major tournaments. With toughness and a lot of discipline, they often suffocate the playful brilliance of their opponents right from the start. The games with Tunisian participation are therefore usually not particularly glamorous. From a Tunisian point of view, the results are mostly positive. Will they also be the same at the World Cup given the strong competition? That seems rather questionable.