Surprising Turn of Events: Tunisia Holds Brazil to a Draw, Leaving Carlo Ancelotti Disappointed
The Press — Our national team impressed us yesterday with a great performance against Brazil. The match started off well, with an offensive-minded game plan that didn't leave our defense exposed. Just two minutes into the game, Ali Abdi attempted a shot, but it was intercepted by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento. Then, there was a long cross from Hannibal Mejbri's left side that ended up in Bento's hands (5'). Although the initial Tunisian attempts lacked punch, it's worth noting that the tactical scheme adopted by Sami Trabelsi against Brazil was unprecedented. The Tunisian team played with a 5-4-1 formation, featuring two pivots, Elyès Skhiri and Ferjani Sassi, Hannibal Mejbri as the left midfielder, Elias Saâd as the right offensive midfielder, and Hazem Mastouri as the striker. With this new scheme, Sami Trabelsi successfully neutralized Brazil. Meanwhile, the frustration was evident on Carlo Ancelotti's face. However, it's not like the Brazilians didn't try to break through the Tunisian defense. For example, Rodrygo's attempt to speed past Bonn and Meriah was intercepted by Dahmen (10'), and Estêvão's powerful shot was repelled by Dahmen before Meriah cleared the ball and averted the danger (12'). After these two attempts, we thought the game would even out and the Brazilians would regain control. But by opting for intense pressing and a transitional game, our national team surprised their opponents with an opening goal, scored by Hazem Mastouri. Following a deep pass from Ali Abdi, Mastouri found himself face-to-face with the Brazilian goalkeeper, Bento, and easily completed the play (23'). After taking the lead, Tunisia intensified its grip on the game. However, the end of the first half would smile on the Brazilians: after a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Brazil, as Bronn had touched the ball with his hand. The penalty was converted by Estêvão (44'). Although the first half ended with Brazil's equalizing goal, it was almost a perfect half for Tunisia.
Level Play
Returning from the locker rooms, we were curious to see our team's attitude: would they continue their momentum or falter and succumb to Brazil's power? To be honest, our national team did not disappoint. They continued to play evenly with the Brazilians, and we witnessed some beautiful Tunisian attempts, such as Elias Saâd's acceleration and cross-shot, which ended up beside the second post (54'). Moreover, our team's defensive block, with reduced spaces to cut passing lines, prevented the Brazilian attackers from finding an opening. That being said, the referee awarded another penalty to Brazil due to a foul committed by Ferjani Sassi in the penalty area. Fortunately, Lucas Paqueta missed his shot (77'). And Tunisia managed to hold its own against Brazil. A draw, with one goal each, will be a long-remembered result for Carlo Ancelotti, who was completely stopped by Sami Trabelsi.
Tunisia's lineup: Dahmen, Talbi, Meriah, Bronn, Abdi (Ben Ouannes 79'), Valery, Sassi, Skhiri, Mejbri (Chaouat 87'), Saad (Achouri 79'), and Mastouri (Gharbi 59').
