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Today will see the last first round matches. In these matches, the outsiders of Group H, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia national teams, will meet. Based on the results of previous matches between them, anything can be expected.
Tunisia - Saudi Arabia Time: 19:00 h (Lithuanian time) Stadium: Allianz Arena, Munich Referee: Mark Shield (Australia)
Summary of Teams' Performance in Qualifiers:
Tunisia
March 1, 2006 Tunisia 0-1 Serbia and Montenegro
May 30, 2006 Tunisia 3-0 Belarus
June 2, 2006 Tunisia 0-0 Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
March 1, 2006 Saudi Arabia 0-3 Portugal
March 15, 2006 Saudi Arabia 2-2 Iraq
March 28, 2006 Saudi Arabia 1-2 Poland
May 11, 2006 Belgium 2-1 Saudi Arabia
May 14, 2006 Saudi Arabia 1-0 Togo
May 26, 2006 Saudi Arabia 0-2 Czech Republic
May 31, 2006 Saudi Arabia 0-1 Turkey
Head-to-Head Matches:
Previously, in the World Cups, these two national teams did not face each other. However, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia have played against each other 6 times in total. The last match took place in 1994, where Tunisia celebrated a 2-0 victory.
Statistics, Facts, Predictions:
FIFA Rankings: Tunisia: 21 Saudi Arabia: 34
Injured Players:
In this match, one of Tunisia's key players, striker Francileudo dos Santos, will definitely not be able to help the team due to a calf injury he suffered a couple of weeks ago.
The strongest lineup should take the field for Saudi Arabia. Although team captain Sami Al Jaber recently suffered a thigh injury, he should be ready to take the field. If the player feels unwell, the coach must have a replacement ready.
Players' and Coaches' Thoughts Before the Match:
Saudi Arabia's head coach Marcos Paqueta is thinking optimistically: "The first match against Tunisia will be like an 'Arabic derby.' This will lay the foundation for our hopes - to stay in second place in the group."
"There isn't much difference between the two teams. The result of the match will be decided by small details, and we will prevail in those details," he added.
Tunisia's coach did not give in to optimism: "We have one clear goal - to make it to the next stage. The team that scores first in this match can expect a victory. Psychologically, this is very important."
"I feel even stronger because I know the players are focused, although some of them are very young," the coach continued.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Tunisia (4-4-2):
1-Ali Boumnijel; 6-Hatem Trabelsi, 15-Radhi Jaidi, 3-Karim Hagui, 18-David Jemmali; 20-Hamed Namouchi, 12-Joahar Mnari, 14-Adel Chedli, 13-Riadh Bouazizi; 5-Ziad Jaziri, 9-Yassine Chikhaoui. Coach: Roger Lemerre
Saudi Arabia (4-5-1):
1-Mohamed Al Deayea 3-Redha Tuker, 13-Hussein Sulaimani, 4-Hamad Al Montashari, 2-Ahmed Dokhi; 14-Saud Al Khariri, 7-Mohamed Ameen, 8-Mohamed Noor, 10-Mohammad Al Shalhoub, 9-Sami Al Jaber; 20-Yassir Al Qahtani. Coach: Marcos Paqueta
