Danes in ‘complicated’ situation after nervy draw against Tunisia

Kasper Hjulmand fears Denmark have put themselves in a “complicated” situation after failing to beat Tunisia in their Group D World Cup opener.

The Euro 2020 semifinalists were held 0-0 by Tunisia – 20 places below them on Fifa’s world rankings in 30th spot – after taking a long time to hit their stride in Doha.

Tunisia had the better of the opening hour and Issam Jebali had an effort disallowed for offside before Kasper Schmeichel denied him in a one-on-one situation with a smart save.

Denmark’s hopes of a stoppage-time penalty were scuppered when Mexican referee Cesar Ramos chose not to punish the ball striking Yassine Meriah’s arm.

Denmark head coach Hjulmand said: “We played too slowly and we were nervous.

“I’m happy with the pressure we put on at the end and, if we had scored, you would have said ‘that’s fine’. But we did not score and I am not satisfied.

“This result could have helped us, but now it could be complicated.”

Tunisia manager Jalel Kadri was delighted with getting off the mark ahead of remaining group games against Australia and France.

Kadri said: “We know how much the crowd cheering drives us, it lifted our spirits. But physically and mentally we also played very well and we deserved the draw.

“We lacked efficacy and we should have capitalised on the chances we had in the first half. But I should commend my players on the way they played.

“We started against a strong opponent and it is a very positive outcome. We are playing in a strong group.”