A Good Collective Attitude, a Radiant Mindset, but Should We Still Keep Our Feet on the Ground
The Press — The "experts" among the twelve million selectors we have, those who are lurking in the shadows of systematic denigration, have certainly retreated (temporarily) upon discovering this troubling new-look Tunisia team that Sami Trabelsi sent to face the Brazilians. The Tunisian team, which had to measure up against a football giant, almost made them bite the dust in Lille. Prudent observers were willing to make a prediction in favor of this Tunisian team, which has always had a dignified behavior against the big teams. We have already beaten the French team; Brazil, even if it is among the logical favorites of any World Cup, is not immune to a surprise. And if Ancelotti chose to close the first phase of his preparation with a match against the Tunisian team, it's not a coincidence. This type of technician never decides without having a set of data at hand, prepared by his staff of assistants and observers. This allows him to make his decision with full knowledge of the facts. Analyses, comparisons, and observations of the opponents' behavior are closely followed. The Tunisians' playing style is different from that of the sub-Saharan teams. This is also the case for all North African teams. The Tunisians are renowned for their discipline and collective maturity. And Ancelotti recognized it after the match: "to beat Tunisia, you would have to be patient and in the best technical conditions. Tunisia has a respectable and well-organized team, which relies on quick transitions. To beat them, we would have to play at our best level," he acknowledged. And that's what we saw throughout this benchmark match, for both teams. Mejbri Everywhere On a field that resembled an American billiard table, and there Hannibal Mejbri was perfectly right in making the comparison with the difficulties of Radès. The ball was tracing its arabesques, without bouncing or false steps, at a sustained pace. Both teams offered a spectacle. Fate did the rest. The great Brazil escaped a humiliating defeat. The "Eagles of Carthage" stole the show from the Brazilian players, who hardly ever worried the well-positioned Tunisian defense in front of Dahman. The attempted shots countered testify to the good knowledge of the opposing players. The chosen strategy worked well, with carefully conducted ball recoveries, a concentrated hinge, and an animator who was easily busy. Mejbri was everywhere. He gave the full measure of his immense qualities, surrounded by teammates who knew what they had to do. Skhiri, finally fully available, completed the profile of this Tunisia team. Maintaining the Mindset Now, what's left to do? It seems to us that the priority lies in maintaining the mindset of this group. Those who will knock on the doors of this team must understand that the group atmosphere, solidarity, and desire to give everything to the team (and only to it) is paramount. In this group, we have all noted that each player had and knew their role. To preserve this atmosphere of solidarity, we must protect this group from those who would like to enter it just to boost their own CV. At the technical level and for future performances, the Tunisia team can no longer afford to have mediocre outings. Sami Trabelsi clearly and courageously stated: "We must repeat this performance to prove that we have progressed." It's clear. That's why we should be satisfied with this result, without getting carried away and making plans on the comet. Sami Trabelsi's players delivered a heroic performance, fighting fiercely to defend their national team's chances. They showed intelligence and remarkable tactical maturity. They almost won! This draw, under these conditions, is enough. It carries many promises and hopes.
