PLAYER RATINGS | Denmark 0-0 Tunisia – African side impress in intense encounter | OneFootball

Tunisia surprised a much-fancied Denmark team in the nations’ World Cup opener in Qatar. Encouraged by some boisterous travelling support, Tunisia were marginally the stronger team in a pacey first half in which Aïssa Laïdouni and Youssef Msakni impressed in the Tunisian midfield. Issam Jebali might have given the Africans a late first-half lead but for a superb Kasper Schmeichel save – possible offside notwithstanding. Denmark slowly imposed themselves after the break, however, but were unable to find a winner, largely thanks to a horrible miss from Andreas Cornelius who somehow managed to head against the post from a yard out with the goal open and under little pressure.

Key Performers:

Aïssa Laïdouni, 7 – Faded as the game wore on but was hugely influential before the break as Tunisia pressed hard and created several dangerous situations in the first half. A technical organising midfielder, the Ferencvaros man’s passing and interplay was key to a lot of Tunisia’s better moments.

Christian Eriksen, 6 – Despite the standout performances of some of his midfield competitors, Eriksen’s class on the ball, especially from set pieces and crosses, still stood out. However, he struggled to create many meaningful chances despite providing some threatening balls and picking up some dangerous positions and was actually less of an influence after the break despite Danish pressure.

Kasper Schmeichel, 6 – Some of his snappy passing out from his hands was lovely and he made one stunning save having been sat down by Issam Jebali, who was clean through. The Tunisian striker tried to dink the ball over the Danish keeper but Schmeichel’s hand shot up out of nowhere to tip the ball wide.

Issam Jebali, 6 – Lead the press aggressively at times and worked hard besides as an attacking focal point, showing a good understanding with Msakni and Laïdouni. Schmeichel’s stunning save denied him an opener (although he may have been offside) and his tenacity produced some dangerous openings in the first half, although he faded as Denmark imposed themselves after the break.

Full Ratings:

DENMARK – 0Kasper Schmeichel, 6Joachim Andersen, 5Simon Kjær, 5Andreas Christensen, 5Rasmus Nissen Kristensen, 5Joakim Mæhle, 6Thomas Delaney, 4Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, 5Christian Eriksen, 6Andreas Skov Olsen, 5Kasper Dolberg, 4Others: Jensen 6, Damsgaard 6, Cornelius 3, Lindstrøm 5.

TUNISIA – 0Aymen Dahmen, 6Dylan Bronn, 6Yassine Meriah, 6Montassar Talbi, 6Mohamed Dräger, 5Ali Abdi, 5Aïssa Laïdouni, 7Ellyes Skhiri, 5Anis Ben Slimane, 4Youssef Msakni, 6Issam Jebali, 6Others: Sliti 5, Khenissi 5, Hannibal Mejbri 4

World Cup 2022, Group D, 22/11/22

GWFN