Tunisians enjoy historic but bittersweet win over France

01st Dec 2022

Tunisians enjoy historic but bittersweet win over France

Tunisians celebrated a historic but bittersweet World Cup victory over France on Wednesday as they defeated their former colonial power but still crashed out of a tournament marked by a remarkable string of Arab wins over soccer powerhouses, Reuters reported.

Car horns sounded in Tunis after the final whistle in Tunisia’s 1-0 win as fans savoured the moment even though their side did not make it through to the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup, the first in an Arab country.

It was the third upset by an Arab country against heavily fancied opponents, but like Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina last week it was not enough to secure a place in the next round.

The Saudis fell short on Wednesday, losing 2-1 to Mexico, and host Qatar are already out, leaving one Arab team with a chance of reaching the last 16 when Morocco – who stunned second-ranked Belgium on Sunday – take on Canada on Thursday.

Already the surprise Arab victories in the opening stages have been applauded across the Arab region despite its deep political divisions.

“The victory over France was wonderful and had a special taste… Arab football regained its dignity from the former colonialists countries,” said Narredine ben Salem, sitting in the Tunis cafe where he watched the match.

As the game ended, dozens of people ran into the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue, often the site of political protests, waving flags and cheering, according to Reuters.

In the official fan zone in Tunis, about 2,000 fans had been cheering through the game, many in Tunisian national soccer shirts or with their faces painted.

“It was a beautiful victory and a convincing performance but in the end it was very harsh to be knocked out,” Ben Salem said.