FIXTURES
Wednesday, November 30@6pm:
Tunisia v France
Australia v Denmark
Wednesday, November 30@10pm:
Poland v Argentina
Saudi Arabia v Mexico
Tunisia, one of Africa’s five representatives at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, have a daunting task of beating France in the final Group D game on Wednesday, November 30 if they are to qualify for the knockout round-of-16 stage.
France, the defending champions, already qualified for the last-16 after beating Australia 3-1 and Denmark 2-0 in their earlier group games. However, the Les Blues, as the French team is nicknamed, want to maintain their 100 percent record by avoiding defeat at the hands of Tunisia.
For Tunisia, it is a must-win game against their former colonial masters to earn a slot in the round-of-16 at the World Cup Finals for the first time.
The Tunisians, who drew 0-0 with Denmark and lost 0-1 to Australia in their opening group games, must also hope that Australia versus Denmark ends in a draw. If Tunisia beat France and Denmark beat Australia, then whoever has the superior goal difference between the Danes and Tunisians will progress.
MBAPPE VERSUS MESSI?
With the winners of Group C set to play the runners-up of Group D in the next round and vice-versa, a heavyweight clash between France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi could be on the cards in the round-of-16.
Mbappe and Messi are teammates at PSG in the French Ligue 1. The two superstars have had an impressive start to the World Cup campaigns with their national teams, with Mbappe scoring three goals and Messi has two so far.
While France have already qualified, Argentina must beat Poland in their Group C match on Wednesday night to be sure of going through. A draw will be enough if Saudi Arabia and Mexico draw, or unless Mexico win that game by four or more goals.
Argentina recovered from a shock 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening game to beat Mexico 2-0, with Messi scoring one apiece in either match.
