Khazri lifts Tunisia to end World Cup drought

WAHBI KHAZRI supplied an assist and the winning goal as Tunisia came from behind to beat Panama 2-1 in a Group G dead rubber earlier today in Saransk and end a 40-year wait for a World Cup win.

Khazri crossed for Fakhreddine Ben Youssef’s equaliser early in the second half and netted the decisive strike himself in the 66th minute.

The victory is just Tunisia’s second from five trips to the finals and their first since they beat Mexico 3-1 in 1978.

Panama were given hope for a maiden win at the World Cup through Yassine Meriah’s own goal but were second best for long spells.

They finish without a point while Tunisia have three, behind runners-up England on six and group winners Belgium on nine.

Both sides were eager but their enthusiasm was not matched by technical prowess in a scrappy start.

Tunisia gradually took control of possession but fell behind against the run of play.

Roman Torres had a shot saved by Aymen Mathlouthi – playing as third choice keeper due to an injury crisis – but Panama recycled the ball to try again.

Jose Luis Rodriguez was next to try his luck and a massive deflection off Meriah left Mathlouthi helpless in the 33rd minute.

Tunisia tried to reply immediately but Jaime Penedo saved well from Khazri and the rebound was scrambled clear.

Ben Youssef flashed a header across goal and wide as Panama only just protected their lead to the break.

Their resistance was broken six minutes into the second period when Khazri had space to cross from the right and Ben Youssef had a simple task to side-foot home. And according to FIFA, it was the 2,500th World Cup goal.

Ben Youssef should have put Tunisia in front soon after but fired straight at Penedo when alone in front of goal.

Mathlouthi misjudged a cross but recovered to save from Edgar Barcenas. He required treatment to the concern of the Tunisian bench, who were out of options with Mouez Hassen and Farouk Ben Mustapha already both out injured.

And Mathlouthi’s efforts were rewarded straight away as Khazri slotted in from closerange from Oussama Haddadi’s generous decision to cross when he could have shot.

Barcenas thought he’d levelled with a fine strike from distance only to have his celebrations cut short for a foul as Panama pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

But despite half chances in injury-time they could not beat Mathlouthi again and Tunisia could enjoy celebrations tinged with more than a hint of relief. – dpa