Opponents and Observers Consider the Team an Underdog, and That's Just Fine
It will help us advance quietly.
The Team's Preparation
The players called up for the African Cup have arrived at the training location in Tabarka, after completing their commitments with their respective clubs. To clarify, in the national team, players gather not to "train," but to prepare. In fact, the preparation is individualized and responds to specific criteria. Some players arrive after a day of competition, while others have been on the bench or are recovering from injuries. The program is therefore different, and the physical trainer, as well as the physiotherapists, have more work to do than the... selector, who has other concerns. However, everyone comes together for observation sessions to study the opponents they will face. This is the true "preparation" that takes place when working with professional players who know their job, in order to put in place a roadmap and pave the way to reach the second phase.
Focus on the Team's Performance
Currently, all attention is focused on the participation or absence of Selliti. In our opinion, despite the experience of this player, there is no need to panic. Alternatives are available, and there are more pressing matters to attend to. The team's mastery of their skills, their ability to apply the game plan, and their solidarity will be the main assets deployed to make their way in the tournament.
Observers' Predictions
Observers from almost all participating countries have already begun to outline the profiles of outsiders and favorites. We were not surprised, not at all, by the absence of the Tunisian team from the list of favorites. Seeking the reason for this "ignorance" is secondary. What matters is that it benefits and advantages our team. The fact that those who wrote history in the last World Cup or those who hold the title are being praised is secondary. We have lived through the exploits of our team, which made history in 1978, and we have been stuck on that memory for decades. However, this has not brought us anything. On the contrary, these heroic feats have often hindered us and favored our opponents.
The Advantage of Being an Underdog
Today, these favorites, laden with players worth billions, are in the spotlight. This is normal, but sports, especially football, are subject to rules that are not exact sciences. Human will, courage, and combativeness will always be a question mark for the best predictors. Arriving under the radar in this type of tournament seems much more advantageous to us. The Tunisian team, during the World Cup qualifiers, gave an idea of its capabilities. It is capable of the best and the worst. It qualified with a small record of defensive invincibility, which says a lot about its means. Its concentration was total, and its application suggested that it has learned to obey and apply the instructions, with a reading of the game that allows it to hold any opponent in respect. We saw this during the match against Brazil, and Ancelotti alluded to it, explaining why he chose to play against the Tunisian team. This discipline and solidarity will be the main assets deployed to make their way.
The Team's Goal
It is up to this Tunisian team to focus only on the bubble it has managed to create around itself, to master its skills, distribute its efforts, and thwart the predictions that have... ignored it. By doing so, the team can advance quietly and make a strong impression in the tournament.
