Wahbi Khazri conceded it was a bittersweet night after his profitable purpose towards France proved inadequate for Tunisia to qualify for the World Cup knockout levels.
Khazri was named man of the match after an exquisite show capped by a 58th-minute purpose that handed Tunisia a 1-0 win at Training Metropolis Stadium.
Sadly for Jalel Kadri’s males it was not sufficient to safe a spot within the spherical of 16 as Australia beat Denmark 1-0 to complete second in Group D behind Les Bleus.
Khazri, who performs his membership soccer in France for Montpellier, mentioned: “It’s a combined feeling. We’re comfortable to beat a crew like France, we gave an excellent efficiency and we go away with our heads held excessive nevertheless it’s bittersweet as it might’ve been excellent to win and undergo.
“In the end, it’s our fault as we didn’t do sufficient within the first two video games.”
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— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022
Roared on by a boisterous help, Tunisia dominated a France crew containing 9 modifications from that which beat the Danes on Saturday. Khazri had already examined Steve Mandanda within the France purpose earlier than, 13 minutes into the second half, he slalomed his manner by a static backline and slotted into the underside nook.
France thought they’d discovered an injury-time equaliser however Antoine Griezmann, launched off the bench by Didier Deschamps alongside Kylian Mbappe, was adjudged to have been offside earlier than volleying previous Aymen Dahmen.
Khazri had no excuses and blamed Tunisia’s show of their 1-0 defeat to Australia on the weekend as the explanation why they’re heading house.
“Once I got here off [in the 59th minute] I noticed the rating within the different sport,” he added. “We had been hoping for a purpose from Denmark however that’s what occurs if you depend upon others in soccer, and in life normally.
“I’m certain the Tunisia followers are happy with us, it’s a disgrace we can’t have a good time correctly.”
Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri echoed Khazri’s sentiments however backtracked on an earlier declare that he would resign if his facet didn’t progress.
“I don’t know why you insist that I resign,” he mentioned. “We’ve been in a position to proceed our work and the contract I’ve in Tunisia is predicated on goals. The goals weren’t fulfilled however we nonetheless must do the evaluation, and it will likely be as much as the Tunisian Federation to resolve if I’ve achieved the targets or not.
“We beat the defending champions and did our greatest. It wasn’t straightforward to gather 4 factors. We performed properly for 5 and a half halves with just one – towards Australia – not being ok.”
Deschamps defended his resolution to make so many modifications together with his second-string facet producing a disjointed show.
He mentioned: “We got here up towards a powerful squad and had been timid, late into the one on ones and made technical errors. However after we introduced on the extra skilled gamers, we had a few goalscoring alternatives and thought we’d equalised on the finish of the sport.
“The primary goal was to safe a spot within the spherical of 16. We took this sport into consideration however [our approach] will repay in just a few days’ time.
“We’d like all 24 gamers to be accessible to play on Sunday. We wanted to juggle the squad.
“Say if we’d received, it wouldn’t have modified the actual fact we play in 4 days’ time and we topped the group.”
Deschamps was mystified by the choice to disallow Griezmann’s purpose, with VAR intervening after New Zealand referee Matthew Conger had already appeared to have blown the ultimate whistle.
“I would like to take a look at the foundations possibly however why did the referee blow the ultimate whistle after which take a look at VAR?” he added. “I’m undecided that is allowed.”
France will play the crew that finishes second in Group C on Sunday – considered one of Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia or Mexico.