World Cup Fans: 'Don't underestimate' Tunisia

Tunisia enters the World Cup in Russia as Africa's number one-ranked team.

Tunisia

Members of Australia's Tunisian community host an Iftar dinner as they observe the holy month of Ramadan. Source: Adrian Arciuli

is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.

This will be Tunisia's fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, and they go into the tournament in Russia as Africa's number one-ranked team. 

Their best performance was on debut in 1978 when they beat Mexico and drew with defending champions West Germany.

They haven't won a game at the tournament since and were eliminated in the group stage in 1998, 2002 and 2006.




But the Eagles of Carthage, as they are known, went through this year’s qualifying matches undefeated. 

Despite being grouped with England, Belgium and Panama, Sydney-based Tunisia fan Houssine Tissaoui is confident they can overcome the odds and reach the knockout stage.

"We hope this time we will do it, we have a good team, the group is not that hard," Mr Tissaoui told SBS News. 

"Belgium is very good but Tunisia is now number 14 in the FIFA rankings, just after England which is 13 in the rankings."

"We hope we will go to the second round."

Tunisia
Members of Australia's Tunisian community host an Iftar dinner as they observe the holy month of Ramadan. Source: Adrian Arciuli


Fellow Tunisian Khaled Berrahel is just as confident. 

"In the World Cup you can't underestimate any country, you can have surprises any time, and we've got a good chance," he said.

Just over 2,000 Tunisians live in Australia. Many are observing the holy month of Ramadan in the lead up to the tournament. 

Mr Tissaoui says it's an important time of reflection for Muslims.




"It's a time where you remember the poor people and when you feel the struggle," he said.

The country has undergone significant change in recent years.

The Tunisian revolution in 2011 saw the fall of the nation's dictator and a democracy has since been established.

Mr Tissaoui says life for his family in Tunisia has improved.

"They feel better, there's a lot of freedom now."

"They can say whatever they want, they are not scared for their life like before during the dictatorship,"

A good performance in Russia could provide another boost for Tunisia, which kicks off its campaign against England on the 19 June.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.

The World Game:  and .


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Published 1 June 2018 9:20am
Updated 1 June 2018 9:24am
By Adrian Arciuli


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