Jun 01 2006 04:01 PM
Tunisia (aka. The Carthage Eagles)
Stage 1 Schedule
6/14 in Munich v. Saudi Arabia
6/19 in Stuggart v. Spain
6/23 in Berlin v. the Ukraine
Odds to Win it All
200-1 according to Nine Sportsbook.
World Cup History
Tunisia has recorded only one win in their 3 WC appearances, and that came in 1978. Still, this is their third consecutive WC appearance, and they breezed through qualifying with a 6-1-3 record--becoming the only African team from the 2002 World Cup to reach Germany this year, on the backs of such stalwarts as Cameroon (who missed out on a fifth consecutive qualification), Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal & South Africa.
In 2002, they were considered to have lucked into a WC berth, and their uninsipired play produced only a single point through three matches. Coach Ammar Souayah was roundly criticized for the defensive-first strategy he employed, particularly in their final loss to Team Japan, where Tunisia needed to win 2-0 in order to advance.
Since 2002
In 2004, they won the African Cup of Nations. On the back of that performance, they represented Africa at the 2005 Confederations Cup, and played solidly, crushing Australia and losing a nail-biter to Argentina, 2-1. They failed to advance past the first round, but earned international credit for their strong play.
Their fitness level has dramatically improved over the last few years, as has their organization.
The Fearless Leader
Heading the team is former France coach Roger Lemerre, who led the French in the 2002 World Cup, where they embarassed themselves and their nation by failing to score a single goal. Lemerre was fired before he could even return to France.
Nonetheless, Lemerre is regarded as an immensely talented manager, one who will, perhaps, stop at nothing to win. Over the past three years, he has drawn critisism for retaining Brazilian-born players Francileudo dos Santos and Jose Clayton, who contributed in no small way to Tunisia's victory in the 2004 African Nations Cup.
Santos, 27, who took Tunisian nationality in December 2003, is regarded as a sparkplug for the team. He has scored 17 goals in 27 games. Lemerre affectionately refers to Santos as "One of our little mosquitos."
Clayton, 32, became a Tunisian national in 1998, will be playing in his third World Cup as a defender.
Strengths
Tunisia has a good mixture of youth and experience
Santos is undersized, but incredibly fast and talented.
Hatem Trabelsi (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands) is arguably one of the best defenders in the world. He is an experienced veteran who is still quick and capable of joining the offense when necessary. Look for him to start attacks from the left side. His contract is up in June, and a move to England or Italy is anticipated.
Weaknesses
Tunisia's played very few friendly tune-up matches, leaving some observers to wonder if they'll arrive in Germany flat-footed.
Defensively, Tunisia is weak, having allowed 9 goals in the qualifying run. They tend to give too much ground during attacks, which they've been able to get away with when facing fellow African teams, but which will could hurt them against skilled teams such as Spain and the Ukraine.
Tunisia also lacks depth, relying on a few medium-sized names and an array of relative unknowns.
Notable Players
25-year old Haikel Gmamdia has been dubbed a "new attacking sensation" after some spirited play in the African Nations and Confederations Cups. He's quick and direct and likely to piss off his opponents.
33-year old midfielder Riadh Bouazizi (Erciyespor, Turkey) is Tunisia's captain. A veteran presence, but is not widely regarded as anyone special.
31-year old defender Radhi Jaidi (Bolton Wanderers, England) is a talented veteran considered one of the best headers of the ball in the game.
40-year old goal-tender Ali Boumnijel (Club Africain) fills the honorary Julio Franco roster spot. He is expected to start.
Rookies
19-year old striker Yassine Chikhaoui, who is filling in for the injured Guemmadia, will make his first international appearance in Germany.
Injured
Striker Haykel Guemamdia is young and lacks experience, but is already regarded as one of the best African strikers--no small praise, as Africa is known for the skill of their strikers. His injury greatly decreases the chances of Tunisia advancing.
Keys to the Cup
Tunisia is widely regarded as the third-best team in their Group, behind Spain and the Ukraine. A convincing win against Saudi Arabia will greatly improve their chances, but it will take top play from all of their players and an off-day for either Spain or the Ukraine for Tunisia to advance to Round 2.
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia