No Room for Complacency
The national team's flawless run has come to an end with a convincing win over Namibia. After a disappointing start under Montassar Louhichi, the team, now led by Sami Trabelsi, has bounced back with a series of victories, securing their spot in the World Cup. The statistics are impressive, reflecting the team's dominance in the group. With qualification achieved and the campaign well-executed, it's time to celebrate. However, it's essential to remain realistic and avoid excessive euphoria, as this can lead to distraction and overconfidence, which have hurt the team in the past.
A Reality Check
The team's performance against Namibia, despite the 3-0 win, was not exemplary. The Namibians had several close calls and could have easily breached the Tunisian defense. It's crucial to acknowledge that the team's success is not solely due to their exceptional skills, but also because of the relatively weak opposition. The only team that could have posed a threat, Equatorial Guinea, was deducted six points by FIFA, leaving the Tunisians without a significant rival.
A New Era for the National Team
The team has undergone a transformation, especially since the arrival of Sami Trabelsi. After a period of struggles, including a disappointing stint under Benzarti, the team is showing signs of improvement. However, it's essential to remain cautious and not get carried away with the current success. The team still needs to face stronger opponents, such as Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, to truly gauge their worth.
Reasons to be Optimistic
The team's squad is improving with the arrival of quality expatriate players. Previously marginalized players like Mejbri, Abdi, Valéry, Chaouat, and Mastouri have taken on more significant roles. New players like Gharbi, Saâd, and Tounekti are also making a name for themselves. The experienced players, including Laïdouni, Skhiri, Dahmene, Talbi, Sassi, and Sliti, are playing their roles as mentors. However, the team still lacks a game-changer, a player who can make a significant impact and lead the team to victory.
The Road Ahead
To move forward, the team needs to adopt a more ambitious and demanding mindset. They must avoid being satisfied with easy wins against weaker opponents and strive for more. The upcoming Arab Cup and African Cup of Nations will be crucial in determining whether Sami Trabelsi and his team can bring the national team back to the top tier in Africa. To achieve this, the team will need to rely on motivated players who are committed to their careers and avoid those who are more interested in playing politics and manipulating the system.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, while the team's current success is a positive step, it's essential to remain grounded and focused on the challenges ahead. The team still has a long way to go to reach their full potential, and it's crucial to avoid complacency and distractions. With the right mindset and a bit of luck, the national team can achieve great things and bring pride to the country. The wait for the Arab Cup and African Cup of Nations will be eagerly anticipated, as it will provide a true test of the team's mettle and their ability to compete against the best in Africa.
