TUNISIA

Ranking 21. Last time Did not qualify.

Manager Nabil Maaloul — returned to the role for a second stint after the sacking of Polish coach Henryk Kasperczak last year following their quarter-final exit in the Africa Cup of Nations. He did the job as Tunisia qualified for a first World Cup finals since 2006. Worked as assistant to Roger Lemerre during that 2006 tournament in Germany.

They’re a bit like Crystal Palace — it could be chaotic.

Key man Naim Sliti (right) — one of a cluster of Tunisian midfielders who ply their trade in France. Sliti was born in Marseille, learned his craft in Paris, plays for Lille, but spent the season on loan at Dijon, where he did well. Likely to make his move permanent after the finals. A tricky player with good feet but some believe he needs to be more of a team player.

Rising star Bassem Srarfi — it has been a breakthrough season for the 20-year-old midfielder at Ligue 1 side Nice, where he made 32 appearances, including six in the Europa League. That has earned him international recognition and he made his debut against Iran back in March. Has been bulking up to give himself an additional physical edge.