Tunisia coach values Arab fan support

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Nov 26, 2022. 11:00

Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri has expressed his appreciation for the support his team has received at the 2022 World Cup.

In the first World Cup in the Middle East, teams from the Arab region have all received added support – none more so than the Carthage Eagles, who were held 0-0 in their Group D opener against Denmark on Tuesday.

Kadri’s team are gearing up to face Australia later today (Saturday) and the coach says he is thankful for the support they are set to receive at the Al Janoub Stadium.

“We know the value of our Tunisian supporters in Doha, and the Tunisian diaspora,” the coach noted. “This gives us a strong morale boost.”

Tunisia is seeking to advance from the group stage for the first time in its sixth World Cup appearance, and a win over the Socceroos would put them on a path to do so.

“There’s a bit more pressure because Australia have nothing to lose now. It’s like a final for them,” Tunisia defender Mohamed Dräger said. “We need to be ready like (Tuesday). With the same spirit and the same concentration we can achieve something.”

Combative midfielder Aïssa Laïdouni, who earned man of the match honours against Denmark, added: “It’s important to come at the game with a lot of determination.

“This is (the) World Cup, it’s not a small competition… It’s also important to show (the fans) we are so determined.”