Hervé Renard looks beyond Japan rout, says Tunisia are here to save pride | OneFootball

Hervé Renard’s appointment could not arrest Tunisia’s slide, Japan winning 4-0 ahead of their final group game against the Netherlands.

As reported by L'Équipe, supporters had feared as much and the hoped-for shock never arrived. The change had followed an opening 1-5 humiliation by Sweden.

Against Japan, the display felt a grim repeat, short of desire and ideas. There was a brief uplift early in the second half, but this time it brought no goal.

Tunisia already know they will not clear the first round, for the seventh time in as many appearances. Captain Ellyes Skhiri said the team lack the required level and that Tunisian football needs radical reforms and a broad rethink.

Nice left-back Ali Abdi left the mixed zone in tears, saying they came to a World Cup with players who had never played together, and that building a competitive side needs time and stability. Lamouchi had likely omitted too many experienced figures from his 26, notably Ferjani Sassi and Yassine Meriah.

Renard looked ahead to the Netherlands on 26 June, 1.00, where avoiding a third heavy defeat looks very difficult. He stressed proper preparation, taking responsibility and professionalism to the end, adding that they are there to save their pride. He said any talk about his own future can wait.

Source: L'Équipe