Tunisia Holds Denmark 0-0 as Arab Teams Impress at World Cup 

Tunisia's forward #07 Youssef Msekni celebrates their draw with fans after the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Denmark and Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 22, 2022. (AFP)
Tunisia's forward #07 Youssef Msekni celebrates their draw with fans after the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Denmark and Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 22, 2022. (AFP)
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Tunisia Holds Denmark 0-0 as Arab Teams Impress at World Cup 

Tunisia's forward #07 Youssef Msekni celebrates their draw with fans after the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Denmark and Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 22, 2022. (AFP)
Tunisia's forward #07 Youssef Msekni celebrates their draw with fans after the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Denmark and Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 22, 2022. (AFP)

Arab teams are making an impact at the first World Cup in the Middle East. 

Tunisia held European Championship semifinalist Denmark to a 0-0 draw Tuesday, three hours after Saudi Arabia beat Argentina in a shocking upset. 

"It’s amazing what (Saudi Arabia) did," Tunisia defender Montassar Talbi said. "We watched a bit of the game in the dressing room. We saw the results. It gave us maybe a little power. We are proud of them. For the Arab countries, too." 

Before a stadium filled almost entirely with Tunisia's red-clad supporters, midfielder Aïssa Laïdouni set the tone in the very first minute when he stripped emblematic Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen of the ball with an aggressive sliding tackle — then stood up and pumped his arms menacingly, gesturing to the crowd to get even more fired up. 

"I’m always proud to represent Tunisia and we always go on the pitch 100% committed," Laïdouni said through a translator. 

Tunisia likely deserved more but an expert save shortly before halftime by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel helped Denmark preserve the draw. 

Having already gone down to the grass after Tunisia broke through the defense, Schmeichel stuck his hand up to deflect a shot from Issam Jebali, who plays his club ball in Denmark for Odense. 

It was just the sort of save that the keeper’s father, former Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel, used to pull off. 

"We didn’t come to get a draw. We wanted to get the win, and I think we did have chances for that, but at the end of the day we’re happy with the draw," Laïdouni said. 

The match marked Eriksen’s return to a major tournament less than a year and a half after his cardiac arrest with Denmark at Euro 2020. 

Assuming his customary playmaker position, Eriksen produced a dangerous long-distance shot on goal in the second half that Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen had to bat away. 

And on the ensuing corner, Denmark hit the post. 

Tunisia also survived the chance of a last-minute penalty for Denmark but the referee ruled to play on after a video review for a possible handball. 

Denmark has lofty goals following its performance at last year's Euro 2020 and a near-perfect qualifying campaign, while Tunisia is seeking to advance from the group stage for the first time in its sixth World Cup appearance. 

After a lack of atmosphere at several of the opening matches, the huge number of Tunisian fans inside Education City Stadium made it feel like a home match for the North African team. Tunisia fans chanted, banged drums and blew air horns when their squad had the ball — then hissed and whistled loudly whenever Denmark had possession. 

Many spectators waving Palestinian flags also supported Tunisia. 

In the end, both teams produced 13 shots. 

Tunisia is not known for its attacking prowess but coach Jalel Kadri said the big crowd support helped his team raise its tempo. 

"It lifted our spirits," Kadri said. "Mentally it gives us a great lift. It really helped us. But tactically and physically we also played very well." 

Tunisia will next play Australia on Saturday in Group D and Denmark will meet defending champion France on the same day. 



Bayern Aim to Go Full Throttle Despite Weakened Defense, Says Kompany

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - Bayern Munich v St. Pauli - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - March 29, 2025 Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany reacts REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth/File Photo
Soccer Football - Bundesliga - Bayern Munich v St. Pauli - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - March 29, 2025 Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany reacts REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth/File Photo
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Bayern Aim to Go Full Throttle Despite Weakened Defense, Says Kompany

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - Bayern Munich v St. Pauli - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - March 29, 2025 Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany reacts REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth/File Photo
Soccer Football - Bundesliga - Bayern Munich v St. Pauli - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - March 29, 2025 Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany reacts REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth/File Photo

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are aiming to go "full throttle" and adapt creatively in the final stretch of the season after injuries in defence, coach Vincent Kompany said ahead of Friday's visit to mid-table Augsburg.

With 65 points from 27 games, Bayern hold a six-point lead over holders Bayer Leverkusen. They have won one of their last three Bundesliga matches, losing to lowly visitors VfL Bochum and drawing at Union Berlin before a 3-2 home win over St Pauli.

They are without left back Alphonso Davies and central defender Dayot Upamecano, probably for the rest of the season, and lost centre back Hiroki Ito to a metatarsal fracture in the St Pauli win.

However, Kompany has backed his side to stay confident and aggressive in their seven remaining league games.

"We have a few options for the full-back position. You can also get creative. The important thing is that we have confidence and it doesn't change the fact that we have to go full throttle. We want to win," the 38-year-old told reporters on Thursday, Reuters reported.

"During the international break, we had time to look ahead. You think about how you want to approach these upcoming games, but then we had three fresh injuries. What I want is for the lads to stay fit and then we will get the results."

The Belgian coach named defender Sacha Boey as a good addition to the back line. The 24-year-old has made 12 appearances for Bayern in all competitions this season.

"Sacha is a player who loves playing on the right. He's fit and definitely an option, and he'll get his minutes in the coming weeks. He was in a good position before his injury and hopefully he'll show his qualities again," said Kompany.

"We currently have six players who have regularly played at full-back. It's important that they stay fit."

After the Augsburg trip, Bayern host Serie A leaders Inter Milan in a Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.