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Wahbi Khazri’s goal in the second half gave Tunisia its first-ever competitive victory over France, but they were nevertheless eliminated from the 2022 World Cup.

Australia defeated Denmark to advance to the Round of 16 as runners-up, joining France, who finished first in Group D despite having a late Antoine Griezmann goal ruled out by VAR in the last seconds.

Both teams made significant substitutions, but Tunisia got out to the better start since they needed to win to have any chance of moving on. Nader Ghandri had an early goal disallowed due to the offside flag.

The African team maintained their lead for the duration of the first half, despite France’s reorganised assault continuing to pose a threat. Kingsley Coman missed the greatest opportunity of the first half when he cut wide after being set up by Youssouf Fofana’s run.

Steve Mandanda parried Khazri’s shot during most of Tunisia’s better play in the early period, but two minutes before the hour the goalie was defeated.

Ellyes Skhiri stole the ball from Fofana at the midway point, allowing Khazri to charge directly into the centre of the France defence, skipping over Raphael Varane, and firing a low left-footed effort past Mandanda.

Kylian Mbappe was added to the French lineup in a quadruple change by Didier Deschamps in response, then Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele soon after. However, until the last few seconds, France failed to pose a serious danger.

Prior to Mbappe’s attempt being stopped by Aymen Dahmen and Randal Kolo Muani’s effort being diverted narrowly wide, Adrien Rabiot dragged a shot wide when well-positioned.

When Griezmann volleyed in eight minutes into extra time, Tunisia’s resolve appeared to have finally broken. However, the goal was disallowed for offside following a thorough VAR review, giving Tunisia a remarkable victory to round off their Qatar 2022 campaign.

Ellyes Skhiri, a midfielder for Tunisia, will probably play under a face mask once more as he continues to rehabilitate from a broken cheekbone.

In place of Wahbi Khazri, who plays his club football for Montpellier in France, Jalel Kadri chose to start left back Ali Maaloul up front for his first game of the competition. In football, Kadri said, “there are no miracles,” and he urged his team to put on their finest performance of the group stage.