Sports News Africa :After a victory over the Comoros (1-0 September 22), Tunisia lost to Brazil. What did you expect from such a complex evening?
Nabil Maaloul :Faced with a selection such as Brazil, one the best in the world you can expect to live a complex evening. The Brazilians are the favorite for the World Cup. I didn’t see the match against Brazil because it wasn’t broadcast. But Brazil is another opposition. On Tuesday evening, we were able to measure differences in level between Tunisia (left) and South Americans (right). Technically, tactically, and athletically, Brazil is home to some very powerful individuals, including Neymar. While it is never easy to lose so much, you shouldn’t react too strongly.
Tunisia had however made an interesting start to the match…
Yes, she had, after Rafinha’s opener, quickly equalized by Talbi. My opinion was that he conceded the second goal immediately, which hurt him very much. Richarlison. The Tunisians didn’t have the time to enjoy their goal, as they had to chase it again. This penalty was avoidable. It is hard to be morally down when you are down 3-1 by a team as strong and as powerful as Brazil. You can even cash a fourth penalty just before halftime.
‘Bronn’s exclusion is stupid’
Did Dylan Bronn’s dismissal in the first-half seem harsh to you
No. It is well-deserved. He didn’t have the need to make this gesture. It’s a stupid expulsion. It’s already complicated at 11 against 11.
Tunisia made several defensive errors which were exploited by the Brazilians…
Placement errors against such powerful individuals often result in immediate sanction. Brazil was able take advantage of the Tunisian defense’s mistakes. She was often pushed in the back by the brazilian attackers. During the World Cup, and especially against France, it will be necessary to be very attentive, because the Blues have very fast players, in particular Kylian Mbappé, Kingsley Coman or Ousmane Dembélé, if he is selected.
You still managed to find positive aspects in this Parisian evening.
Yes. Tunisia was more solid in the second period. She only conceded one goal. The Brazilians, who led 4-1 at halftime, were able to ease off. Tunisia scored a goal from a set-piece, and the Brazilians conceded very few in this type of phase because they have tall defenders. Ayman Dhaman, the goalkeeper made some great saves, and there is nothing to be ashamed about. Talbi scored a goal, and I found it fascinating. Khazri brought something to the table when he was called up in the second period.
Do you worry that this defeat might leave traces?
I don’t think so. Although the players may think about it for several days, they will soon find their clubs and will be focusing on the national championships. Tunisia would have lost against a much weaker team than Brazil. It would have been harder to digest. The World Cup is in just two months and this defeat won’t leave any scars. We must of course learn from it, but above all, do not dramatize it…
Alexis BILLEBAULT
Source: sportnewsafrica
