In five participations in the World Cup, Tunisia has never exceeded the first round. In Qatar, the coach Jalel Kadri will surely count on a very tight team to finally do better. But if Hannibal Mejbri, Ellyes Skhiri and Wahbi perform, the task will be less complicated.
Hannibal Mejbri, the hoped-for nugget
While he did not even play in the first team of Manchester United, Hannibal Mejbri raised great expectations every time he put on the jersey of Tunisia. In Qatar, he arrives with 15 Championship games in his legs and two assists. So he is more experienced than in January at the AFCON 2021 and therefore much more hopeful to see him finally show the extent of his talent in the World Cup. Exactly one year ago, he had shown bits and pieces with the A' selection of the Eagles of Carthage during the Arab Cup of FIFA. Jalel Kadri will therefore rely on his virtuosity, as a starter or off the bench, to set fire to opposing defenses. At 19 years old, the former French U17 international has already won 18 caps for Tunisia. He has the same precocity as his current captain Youcef Msakni. But the latter was already decisive at his age. All Tunisians are crossing their fingers that Mejbri will be at his best in Qatar.
Serious potential! #Mejbri #Hannibal #MUFC #mufcacademy pic.twitter.com/YDpVcJ4ETu
— BradUtd (@MUFCBradleyP) September 25, 2020
Ellyes Skhiri: The guarantor of balance
To win World Cup matches, you often have to keep your balance. The pragmatic Jalel Kadri is no exception to the rule. And the guarantor of this search for the right balance between defensive and offensive transitions is Ellyes Skhiri. The Tunisian from Cologne is the kind of midfield player who knows how to close down spaces, how to pick up balls at the feet of opponents and how to use them wisely after the recovery. Most often, he is the barometer of the Carthage Eagles. When he's good, everything goes wonderfully. At 27 years old, he is certainly dying to get high in Qatar. Especially since six months before the end of his contract with the German club, to shine at the world mass would allow him to aim even higher.
Wahbi Khazri, taking off finally
As strong as we can be behind to get out of the first round, we will have to win at least one game. And to win, you have to score. This is the role of Whabi Khazri. The Tunisian striker has often assumed his status during the qualifications. But he still lacks reference matches in the final phase of an international competition. At 31 years, time is running out for him. He must help the Eagles to take off in a World Cup. Tunisia has never managed to qualify for the 8th round of a World Cup despite five participations.
