World Cup 2022: Tunisia upsets France, still misses Round of 16

Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Tunisia netted a World Cup upset of France on Wednesday in Ar Rayyan, Qatar, but still didn't secure enough points for a spot in the Round of 16. France and Australia earned Group D's two tickets for the knockout stage.

Striker Wahbi Khazri scored the lone goal in Tunisia's 1-0 victory over the reigning World Cup champions at Education City Stadium. The French, ranked No. 4 in the world, won their previous two matches and claimed the Group D title.

No. 38 Australia also upset No. 10 Denmark 1-0 on Wednesday in Al Wakrah to finish second in Group D. No. 30 Tunisia finished third, with one win, one loss and one tie in the group stage.

The Tunisian defense smothered early on, holding the French to their fewest shots (2) in the first half of a group stage match since the 1966 World Cup. Neither French attempt was on target. France held a 58% to 42% edge in time of possession over the first 45 minutes.

The Tunisians appeared to grab the lead in the eighth minute when fullback Nader Ghandri netted a volley past French goalie Steve Mandanda. That goal was taken off the scoreboard due to an offside call.

Khazri then broke the deadlock with a sensational score in the 58th minute. The play started with a France turnover at midfield. Midfielder Aissa Laidouni then played a pass to Khazri between midfield and the France box.

Khazri received the ball, did a quick turn and bolted forward with his dribble. He then used a heavy right-to-left touch to clear French defender Raphael Varane. He then used the small opening to poke a left-footed grounder between several defenders and just inside the right post.

The French attack registered eight shots in the second half, with three on target. The French appeared to net an equalizer in the in stoppage time.

Striker Antoine Griezmann hit a shot into the net with his right boot in the eighth minute of stoppage time during that sequence. That score was later reviewed and removed from the scoreboard.

France will face vs. Group C runner-up Sunday at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. Australia will battle the. winner of Group C on Saturday at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.

Poland, the first-place team in Group C, will face second-place Argentina at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Doha. Third-place Saudi Arabia also will face last-place Mexico at the same time in Lusail.