2018 FIFA World Cup: Tunisia Bow Out With Comeback Win Over Panama
Jun 29, 2018 at 10:24 AM
Tunisia ended their World Cup win with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Panama in the final Group G game.
Both the teams entered the game with losses in the previous two games and it was debutant Panama who took the lead in the 33rd minute after Jose Luis Rodriguez’s shot deflected in off the body of Yassine Meriah. Tunisia equalised shortly after the break through Fakhreddine Ben Youssef before Wahbi Khazri scored the winner to secure a World Cup win in 40 years for his country.
Both the teams failed to create too many chances in the first break. Panama goalkeeper Jamie Penedo, however, had to make a good save in the 20th minute. Khazri’s cross into the box met the head of Rami Bedoui but Penedo got down low to get a hand onto the ball.
13 minutes later, Panama scored their second World Cup goal, much to Tunisia’s disappointment. Roman Torres’ shot was initially blocked, but the ball rebounded to the feet of Rodriguez. He hammered an effort towards goal but it deflected off Meriah on the way through and found the back of the net.
As the game wore on, Tunisia started dominating the proceedings. Ben Youssef headed wide of the post before Khazri fired one over the crossbar. The Sunderland forward had two efforts in quick succession in the first minute of two added on, but both were blocked by Roman Torres.
Tunisia started the second half on the perfect note, equalising just five minutes into the break. Naim Sliti picked out Khazri on the right before he provided a superb cross into the box. And Ben Youssef made no mistake in guiding the ball into the net.
6 minutes after the hour mark, Tunisia scored their second through Khazri. Panama thought they had equalised in the 73rd minute when Edgar Yoel Barcenas curled home a stunning effort. However, the referee had already blown for a foul and they were unable to hit the back of the net again.
Tunisia held on to register a memorable win. Panama, on the other hand, went home without any point.