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Tunisia vs France LIVE: World Cup 2022 final score and result as Tunisia seal shock win after late VAR drama

French-born Wahbi Khazri scored the only goal of the game as Tunisia upset World Cup holders France 1-0 at the Education City Stadium, but the shock victory was not enough for them to join the defending champions in the last 16 of the tournament in Qatar.

Khazri steered home a 58th-minute winner amid a cluster of defenders for only a third victory at six World Cup tournaments for Tunisia but they were still eliminated.

France, who made nine changes for this match from the team that beat Denmark and had already booked their place in the knockout stages, finished top of Group D on goal difference from runners-up Australia, who beat Denmark 1-0 at the same time.

Les Bleus thought they had equalised through Antoine Griezmann in the 98th minute but a much-delayed VAR review ruled it out for offside as the north Africans held on for an historic win. France now take on the runners-up in Group C, which will be concluded later on Wednesday.

Relive all the action with our live blog below - plus all the action in the other game between Australia and Denmark here.

Tunisia vs France

  • Tunisia stun second-string France with a 1-0 win in Group D decider

  • Wahbi Khazri’s superb goal enough for Tunisia as Antoine Griezmann has late equaliser disallowed

  • FULL-TIME! Tunisia 1-0 France

  • 90+12’ - NO GOAL! Griezmann equaliser disallowed after long delay before VAR check (TUN 1-0 FRA)

  • 67’ - PITCH INVADER! Man runs on to the pitch waving Palestine flag (TUN 1-0 FRA)

  • 58’ - GOAL! Khazri gives Tunisia shock lead after great run (TUN 1-0 FRA)

  • 52’ - MISS! Laidouni fires over after pinching ball from Fofana (TUN 0-0 FRA)

  • 34’ - SAVE! Mandanda repels Khazri’s well-struck effort (TUN 0-0 FRA)

  • 25’ - MISS! Coman wastes good opportunity to put France ahead (TUN 0-0 FRA)

  • 8’ - DISALLOWED! Ghandri has the ball in the net for Tunisia but ruled out for offside (TUN 0-0 FRA)

Saudi Arabia line-up

17:48 , Michael Jones

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico early team news and predicted line-ups

17:45 , Michael Jones

Abdulelah Al-Malki is suspended for Saudi Arabia after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Poland. Mohammed Al-Burayk, Yasir Al-Shahrani and Salman Al-Faraj are also out.

Mexico are sweating on the fitness of Andres Guardado after he was forced off in the first half of the Argentina defeat. Mexico and Uruguay are the only teams who are yet to score in Qatar, so El Tri may opt for Raul Jimenez to lead the line.

Predicted line-ups

Saudi Arabia XI: Alowais, Abdulhamid, Alamri, Altambakti, Alburayk, Kanno, Albrikan, Alabid, Alnaji, Aldawsari, Alshehri.

Mexico XI: Ochoa, Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Araujo, Gallardo, Alvarez, Herrera,Lozano, Jimenez, Vega.

Mathew Leckie solo goal sees Australia beat dismal Denmark to reach World Cup round of 16

17:41 , Michael Jones

There may have been bigger shocks at this World Cup but Australia became the first underdog to strike a knockout blow against one of the favourites. Ranked 10th in the world, Denmark contrived to finish fourth in a group containing the Socceroos and Tunisia. The side who led in the Euro 2020 semi-final were never in front in this World Cup and go out embarrassingly early, with one point and one goal to show for their trip to Qatar.

Yet if they are underachievers, Australia’s endearing overachievers advance fair and square. They came to Qatar as one of the least fancied teams and a country with just two World Cup wins to their name.

They have doubled that tally in their last two games and progress level on points with France. That may sound surreal but this was one of the great days in their footballing history. They earned their place in the World Cup in Doha, beating Peru in a play-off, and now they have still more fond memories of Qatar.

Australia’s consecutive clean sheets are testament to the excellence of Harry Souttar and the organisation Graham Arnold has instilled.

Leckie solo goal sees Australia beat dismal Denmark to reach round of 16

Group D’s thrilling climax shows why Fifa shouldn’t tamper with a perfect World Cup format

17:37 , Michael Jones

For about 10 seconds, Tunisia think they’ve scored. Wahbi Khazri’s free-kick is flicked home gymnastically by Nader Ghandri before Steve Mandanda’s 37-year-old reactions can respond, and the thousands of Tunisian fans go feral, until they spot a raised flag. With a fair wind the noise erupting from the Education City Stadium might make it to the Al Janoub Stadium 12 miles south, where Australia and Denmark are playing out the other half of this high-stakes Group D finale.

France are already qualified but that in itself adds to the potential for drama as Didier Deschamps shuffles his pack, deploying five central midfielders in a line-up which looks confusing on paper and offers no more clarity on the pitch. Playing in an unfamiliar left-back role, Edouardo Camavinga wears the look of a man convinced he’s left his wallet around here somewhere, and it all gives fourth-placed Tunisia hope of the win they desperately need. Denmark go searching for three points too; Australia are the ones left a little confused, unsure whether to stick or twist, knowing a draw might be enough but that the single waft of a Danish or Tunisian foot could eliminate them at any moment.

Tunisia keep coming, scenting blood: they are the dominant team against a discombobulated France and Khazri has a penalty appeal turned down. Meanwhile Matthew Ryan, the Australian goalkeeper, is conducting some masterful time-wasting: on 27 minutes he ignores the referee’s hurry-up gestures so that the official, Mustapha Ghorbal, has no choice but run 50 yards downfield to convey his message, taking up another 30 seconds much to the exasperation of the Danish players....

Group D’s thrilling climax shows why Fifa shouldn’t tamper with World Cup format

Tunisia stun France as jubilation turns to agony as World Cup progress falls short

17:32 , Michael Jones

Jalel Kadri had told Tunisia that nothing was impossible. After an almost unthinkable win over France they nearly believed him too. But Mathew Leckie’s goal for Australia, scored some 25km away against Denmark, proved more crucial than the one scored here as they, not Tunisia, advanced to the last-16 of the World Cup.

Wahbi Khazri had thought he was the hero, his second-half goal at the Education City Stadium to down the defending champions, securing a famous win and, at the time, progress to the next round at the expense of the other two in Group C, only for Leckie’s goal to break Danish hearts and the majority of those here. Antoine Griezmann’s stoppage time equaliser threatened to do the same only for it to be ruled out for offside at the last.

Tunisia now depart this stage, a vigorous, vibrant presence throughout the tournament now silenced, their brilliant performance here ultimately and heart-wrenchingly not enough as Australia instead advanced in second place. The threat they posed to one of the tournament favourites, though, will surely linger.

Tunisia stun France as jubilation turns to agony as progress falls short

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico

17:27 , Michael Jones

Group D has come to it’s conclusion but the action continues in Qatar with Group C’s final games taking place tonight.

Saudi Arabia and Mexico go head-to-head as they look to clinch one of the two spots on offer with a victory for either side likely to take them through to the last-16.

In the other game group leaders Poland face Argentina knowing that a loss to Lionel Messi’s team could see them knocked out of the tournament.

Pitch invader runs on with Palestine flag during Tunisia vs France at World Cup

17:21 , Michael Jones

A pitch invader took a Palestine flag onto the field during Tunisia vs France at the Qatar World Cup.

The move comes after a fan evaded security while carrying a rainbow flag onto the field during Portugal vs Uruguay.

The supporter, wearing a Tunisia home jersey, sprinted onto the Education City Stadium pitch in the 67th minute. He then performed two somersaults before security eventually caught up, tackling him to the turf and dragging him off the pitch.

The supporter who entered the field of play on Monday at the Lusail Stadium also displayed a “Save Ukraine” message on the front of his t-shirt.

Pitch invader runs on with Palestine flag during Tunisia vs France

FT Tunisia 1-0 France

17:17 , Michael Jones

Didier Deschamps made nine changes to his France side and it showed today. They were second best until the main stars were brought on to try and rescue the game.

France attempted 10 shots in their loss, their lowest total in a single match in the 2022 World Cup.

France vs Tunisia player ratings: Raphael Varane and Les Bleus struggle after resting Kylian Mbappe

17:12 , Michael Jones

Tunisa earned a heroic victory over world champions France but failed to secure qualification at the World Cup after Australia’s shock win over Denmark.

Les Bleus were handed a fright when Nader Ghandri escaped the clutches of Raphael Varane to prod home, but VAR came to the rescue for Didier Deschamps’ side to rule it out for offside. Wahbi Khazri then unleashed a rocket of a volley that Steve Mandanda carefully punched to safety. But Tunisia eventually broke through in the second half, as Khazri dribbled past Raphael Varane and slid the ball past Mandanda to spark wild scenes of celebration among the boisterous Tunisia fans.

Deschamps sent on Kylian Mbappe after 63 minutes, with the PSG star causing havoc as Tunisia desperately defended their lead, including a decent stop from Aymen Dahmen after a sensational dribble and shot from a tight angle.

Antoine Griezmann thought he had equalised in the 98th minute of the match, only for VAR to belatedly intervene. The Socceroos held on for second spot, but the full-time whistle prompted jubilent scenes of celebrations for Tunisia and their consolation win.

Here are the player ratings for Les Bleus at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan:

France vs Tunisia player ratings as Raphael Varane struggles

FT Tunisia 1-0 France

17:08 , Michael Jones

Group D finishes with France in first place followed by Australia in second. Both those teams end the group stages with six points each whilst a resolute Tunisia come third with four points.

The underachievers by far though were Denmark who took one point from a goalless draw against Tunisia in their opening game of the tournament.

They go home having finished bottom.

FT Tunisia 1-0 France

17:05 , Michael Jones

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Full-time: Tunisia 1-0 France

17:02 , Michael Jones

90+13 mins: There’s the whistle! Tunisia have a remarkable, fantastic victory over the reigning champions but that isn’t enough to get them through.

Australia have beaten Denmark in the other match so they join France in the last-16.

Nothing will spoil this victory for Tunisia though. They earned that win and they’ll celebrate it. Wahbi Khazri’s goal was the difference in the end.

NO GOAL! Tunisia 1-0 France

17:00 , Michael Jones

90+12 mins: The roar is deafening as the referee overturns the initial decision following a look at the pitchside monitor. Tunisia are back in front with seconds left on the clock!

What drama.

Tunisia 1-1 France

16:59 , Michael Jones

90+10 mins: Hold on a minute. VAR is checking whether Antoine Griezmann was offside in the build-up. Tunisia may still win this game...

GOAL! Tunisia 1-1 France (Griezmann, 90+8)⚽️

16:56 , Michael Jones

90+8 mins: Antoine Griezmann levels the game for France!

Tunisia are devasted. The ball is floated into the box and Montassar Talbi’s headed clearance goes nowhere. The ball falls to Griezmann who keeps his eye on the ball and volleys it wide of Aymen Dahmen to earn France a point!

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:54 , Michael Jones

90+6 mins: The Tunisian substitutes are huddling over a mobile phone in the dugouts trying to keep updated on the Australia vs Denmark game which remains 1-0.

On the pitch they’re repelling wave after wave of French attacks to maintain this slender lead. Two minutes to go.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:50 , Michael Jones

90+3 mins: Mbappe gets clipped on the heel and he makes his way toward the box, winning his team a free kick in a dangerous area.

It’s just outside the penalty area on the inside left, perfect shooting range. Mbappe is the one to take it and his effort is drilled straight into the wall.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:48 , Michael Jones

90 mins: There’s eight minutes of stoppage time to play. That’s a long time for Tunisia to hold back this French onslaught.

France are in total control now, they don’t want to lose this game.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:47 , Michael Jones

88 mins: Save! A flash of brilliance from Kylian Mbappe sees him storm down the left wing carrying the ball to the byline. He cuts into the box, evades a couple of tackles then fizzes an effort at goal only for Aymen Dahmen to push it wide!

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:43 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Tunisia are holding onto this lead as time ticks away. They’re doing all they can to make it into the knockout rounds but as it stands they need Denmark to score against Australia.

A switch of play from France sends the ball into the right side of the box where Dembele floats one over to the back post. Rabiot arrives and drills a shot into the ground which bounces wide of the target.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:40 , Michael Jones

81 mins: France win a corner that Griezmann swings into the box. There’s a scramble before the ball rolls over to Kolo Muani who backheels it out to Dembele.

Dembele goes for goal and laces a shot into the arms of Aymen Dahmen.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:36 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Mateo Guendouzi brings the ball over to the right and sends it up to Kolo Muani who then loses it to a strong challenge from Laidouni who continues to impress for Tunisia.

Didier Deschamps makes another change and introduces Ousmanne Dembele.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:35 , Michael Jones

75 mins: 15 minutes to play here and France are starting to impose themselves on the game by maintaining possession inside the Tunisian half.

They’re not challenging the goal though and Tunisia are managing the game okay at the minute.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:30 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Kolo Muani makes a great diagonal run over to the right as the ball gets flicked over the top. He brings it under control and weaves into the box but a back-tracking Aissa Laidouni nicks the ball away from him and Tunisia clear the danger.

Antoine Griezmann comes on to replace Youssouf Fofana.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:26 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Kylian Mbappe’s first touch is met with a chorus of cheers from both sets of fans as he makes a run down the left wing. He’ll be wanting to get himself on the score sheet today to move ahead in the race for the golden boot.

The game comes to another stop as a fan waving a Palestinian flag invades the pitch.

16:23 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane was the man on the ground for Tunisia but he’s okay to play on.

Didier Deschamps has seen enough and makes a triple swap replacing Raphael Varane, Kingsley Coman and Jordan Veretout with William Saliba, Adrian Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:21 , Michael Jones

63 mins: There is a goal! Mathew Leckie has sent Australia ahead against Denmark. Tunisia now need Denmark to score if they want to go through.

There’s a break in play here for a potential injury.

Tunisia 1-0 France

16:19 , Michael Jones

61 mins: That goal is also Wahbi Khazri’s final involvement of the game as he’s replaced with Issam Jebali just as the clock ticks over the hour mark.

As it stands Tunisia are going through unless there is a goal in the match between Denmark and Australia.

GOAL! Tunisia 1-0 France (Khazri, 58’)⚽️

16:15 , Michael Jones

58 mins: There it is! Has Wahbi Khazri sent Tunisia into the knockout rounds?

France think there’s a foul in the middle of the pitch and stop playing to appeal to the referee who doesn’t blow the whistle. Tunisia poke it forward to their captain who carries the ball up to the box, shifts to the left and probs a soft effort wide of Steve Mandanda to sneak the ball into the far bottom corner!

Huge moment for Tunisia!

Tunisia 0-0 France

16:14 , Michael Jones

55 mins: Maaloul is given the ball by Laidouni and is allowed enough time to pick is spot in the box for a cross. Khazri sneaks in behind Camavinga but the ball is too far behind him for the forward to control and France’s left-back manages to clear.

Tunisia 0-0 France

16:11 , Michael Jones

52 mins: Close! Aissa Laidouni is played into the box and gets blocked off by Youssouf Fofana. Laidouni gives the French midfielder a slight nudge in the back and he goes down like he’s been shot.

The referee plays on and Laidouni collects the ball before blasting one over the top from a tight angle.

Tunisia 0-0 France

16:07 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Tunisia have a shout for a penalty after carrying the ball to the byline and pulling it back to Wahbi Khazri.

Aurelien Tchouameni beats him to the ball but clips the striker in the process who then falls to the floor but the referee has a good view of the incident and signals for play to go on explaining that Tchouameni won the ball.

Second half: Tunisia 0-0 France

16:03 , Michael Jones

Kick off: France restart the match having made no change in personnel during the break. Can Tunisia get a goal? As it stands that is all they need to make it into the knockout stages.

HT Tunisia 0-0 France

16:02 , Michael Jones

HT Tunisia 0-0 France

15:57 , Michael Jones

In the other Group D match taking place right now Denmark and Australia are also playing out a 0-0 draw meaning as it stands Australia will join France in the knockout rounds.

HT Tunisia 0-0 France

15:53 , Michael Jones

Tunisia have been the better side over the first half but they need more composure in the final third.

 (PA)
(PA)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Half-time: Tunisia 0-0 France

15:49 , Michael Jones

45+2 mins: Youssouf Fofana takes a shot from range and sees his effort blocked. The ricochet sends the ball out of the Tunisia penalty area and kicks off a counter-attack.

They work the ball quickly up the pitch and send it out to Wahbi Khazri on the left. He’s caught up in the momentum of the move and blazes a shot high over the crossbar!

The whistle then goes for half-time with nothing to separate the sides.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:46 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Just the two minutes of added time to play at the end of this half.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:44 , Michael Jones

43 mins: Close! Tunisia win the ball in midfield and send it up to Slimane who threads a beautiful pass in between the French centre-backs and plays Khazri into the right side of the box.

His first touch narrows the angle to shoot so his fizzes a pass across the six-yard box but none of his teammates make a run to the back post and Axel Disasi turns the ball behind.

Tunisia think they’ve won a corner but the offside flag is up against Khazri.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:40 , Michael Jones

40 mins: Kingsley Coman attempts to make up for his earlier miss by bringing the ball down the right wing. He cuts onto his left-foot but his delivery into the box is poor and Montassar Talbi sweeps the ball clear.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:39 , Michael Jones

37 mins: France are being made to work this afternoon. It’s been an encouraging performance from Tunisia so far but they don’t have anything to show for it.

Aurelien Tchouameni is clipped in midfield but the referee lets play go on as France play the advantage by carrying the ball into the Tunisian final third.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:37 , Michael Jones

34 mins: Save! Steve Mandanda is called into action once again after Wahbi Khazri lets fly from just outside the box. He finds the target but the French goalkeeper punches the effort wide of the post!

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:35 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Great work from Camavinga! Ali Maaloul has so much space on the left wing to carry the ball alongside the box before swinging a cross over to the far post.

Nader Ghandri comes flying in to win the ehader but Camavinga holds his ground and gets his head to the ball first to nod it away from the Tunisian.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:31 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Chance! Tunisia win a throw in deep inside France’s half and send it over to Aissa Laidouni. He spins away from Axel Disasi before flicking a cross into the middle of the box.

Anis Slimane wins the header and guides the ball towards goal but Steve Mandanda drops low to his right to catch it and keep the ball from crossing the line.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:29 , Michael Jones

28 mins: Wajdi Kechrida has been electric so far for Tunisia and has been a force coming down the right wing for them. He’s forced into some defending as Edouardo Camavinga brings the ball forward.

Kechrida slides into a tackle on the makeshift left-back and picks up a yellow card for his effort.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:27 , Michael Jones

25 mins: Oh no! Kingsley Coman wastes the best chance of the game!

France manage to work a counter-attack with Youssouf Fofana driving the ball forward on the right side of the pitch. Ahead of him Randal Kolo Muani makes a decent run into the box to draw the defenders away as Coman arrives behind him.

Fofana sends the ball over to Coman but his first touch is poor and his second is even worse as he fires a left-footed shot well wide of the near post!

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:24 , Michael Jones

22 mins: Tunisia’s early momentum has been halted by France as they start to take control of the ball. They moving it with short, sharp passes and trying to work the gaps out wide.

Tunisia recover the ball and send a long one over the top towards the right wing. Wajdi Kechrida bombs it down the line but he’s beaten to the ball by Ibrahima Konate who marshalls it out for a goal kick.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:21 , Michael Jones

19 mins: Eduardo Camavinga is much better going forward for France than he is defending. Aissa Laidouni mocks him with a fine nutmeg before winning a free kick as Camavinga tries to recover the ball.

Tunisia don’t do much with the set piece and Les Bleus take over possession before sending it across to Camavinga. He flies up the pitch and combines with Randal Kolo Muani.

The forward drifts out wide and wins a throw in when his attempted cross is blocked.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:17 , Michael Jones

16 mins: Aissa Laidouni is the next Tunisian midfielder to draw a foul after taking on Jordan Veretout but the African team fail to make use of the set piece Steve Mandanda claims the ball when it comes into his box.

France’s first real forays into Tunisia’s half result in consecutive corners but both are dealt with without too much trouble.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:14 , Michael Jones

13 mins: France give the ball away inside their own half with another sloppy pass and Tunisia send it out wide to Wajdi Kechrida. He whips a decent cross into the middle that Axel Disasi nods out for a corner.

Wahbi Khazri is on set piece duties once again but this time his delivery curls out of play and lands on top of the goal.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:12 , Michael Jones

11 mins: That move from Tunisia will be a warning sign to France. Even though they’re alreadyt through and with all the changes that they’ve made the World Champions won’t want to lose this match.

Tunisia have made a great start to the game.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Tunisia 0-0 France

15:10 , Michael Jones

8 mins: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane performs a lovely flick in midfield to move the ball away from Aurelien Tchouameni and drive down the left wing. The French midfielder chases after him and gives away a free kick.

Wahbi Khazri sends the set piece into the box as France utilise their high line. Nader Ghandri burst through the lines, meets the ball and powers it into the back of the net.

But, he’s gone too and gets flagged offside!

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:06 , Michael Jones

6 mins: This is a bright start from Tunisia who burst forward on the left side once more. A cross comes into the penalty area and is headed behind for a corner.

The corner ball is a good one and gets whipped into the six-yard area where Raphael Varane scoops it away. Ali Maaloul recovers the loose ball and keeps the attack going with another cross but Steve Mandanda gets out and punches the ball clear.

Tunisia 0-0 France

15:04 , Michael Jones

3 mins: This could be worrying for Tunisia. Captain Wahbi Khazri flings himself into a tackle on Edouardo Camavinga, who’s playing at left-back today for France.

The two players collide and Khazri hobbles away from the challenge having taken a knock to his right leg. He’s okay to play on for now.

Kick off: Tunisia 0-0 France

15:02 , Michael Jones

Here we go then.

Tunisia get the match underway and work the ball down the left wing before sending an aerial ball into the box for Anis Slimane. The ball bounces past him and is easily claimed by goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

Tunisia vs France

14:54 , Michael Jones

Here come the players.

France are the huge favourites to make it three wins from three in Group D but they’re up against a Tunisia side who know that they must win today.

There have been shocks aplenty in this World Cup already so a Tunisia win is improbable but not impossible.

Kick off is up next...

Will France miss Mbappe?

14:51 , Michael Jones

Kylian Mbappe has scored 50 goals for club and country in 2022. It is the second time he has reached a half-century in a calendar year, also scoring 51 in 2021.

Mbappé could be just the second player to score in four in a row for France, after Just Fontaine back in 1958. Fontaine scored 13 goals overall in the World Cup for France, against Mbappé’s seven.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup Golden Boot: Rashford, Mbappe and Gakpo vie for top goalscorer at Qatar 2022

14:47 , Michael Jones

The Golden Boot is the award given to the player who scores the most goals at a World Cup, and the race is on for the prestigious prize at Qatar 2022.

Previous winners include France legend Just Fontaine, who scored 13 in 1954, a record tally at a single World Cup which still stands; Portugal’s Eusebio, who scored nine goals in 1966; England’s Gary Lineker, who scored eight goals in 1986; Ronaldo, who scored eight as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup; and the current England captain Harry Kane who scored six goals last time out in Russia.

Fifa hands out a gold, silver and bronze prize for goalscorers. Previously players with the same number of goals would share awards, but nowadays they are split by tie-breakers: first, who scored the fewest penalties; then who collected the most Fifa-approved assists; then who has played the fewest minutes.

World Cup Golden Boot: Who is the top goalscorer at Qatar 2022?

Tunisia vs France

14:43 , Michael Jones

France coach Didier Deschamps has won 11 of his 14 games in charge at the World Cup.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Struggling Tunisia

14:39 , Michael Jones

Tunisia remain winless in this World Cup and should they also fail to win this match, it will mean they haven’t won a game in four of their six World Cup appearances.

They are yet to score from 27 shots in their two games at this year’s World Cup and have only kept two clean sheets in their 17 World Cup matches.

Only Saudi Arabia (6%) and Australia (11%) have a poorer clean sheet ratio.

France ‘team player’ Kylian Mbappe would understand being rested, Didier Deschamps claims

14:35 , Michael Jones

Didier Deschamps insisted Kylian Mbappe would have no problem with being benched for France’s final World Cup group game against Tunisia on Wednesday if the coach decides to rest his star striker.

The reigning champions are all-but assured of top spot in Group D given their three-point advantage and vastly superior goal difference to second-placed Australia, and Deschamps spent much of Tuesday’s press conference batting away attempts by journalists to work out how many changes he might make.

Deschamps confirmed there will be several, but would not say if Golden Boot hopeful Mbappe would be among them. The Paris St Germain striker has scored three goals in France’s opening two games, and is the tournament’s joint top-scorer alongside Ecuador’s Enner Valencia, England’s Marcus Rashford and the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo at this early stage.

‘Team player’ Kylian Mbappe would understand being rested, Didier Deschamps claims

Tunisia vs France prediction

14:31 , Michael Jones

France may well ease off the gas here knowing they are safely through and rotation is obvious, but Les Bleus have too much quality here and the competition in the squad will take them past a limited Tunisia.

Tunisia 0-3 France.

Antoine Griezmann 2.0 keeps France on track at World Cup

14:27 , Michael Jones

It is an occupational hazard for a player and playmaker of Christian Eriksen’s quality. He tends to attract man-markers. Just not normally those of quite of the calibre of the top scorer in a European Championships and the second highest in a World Cup 2022. A forward who cost £107million and scored in a World Cup final was reinvented as Eriksen’s dedicated sentry. “Antoine Griezmann was following him,” the Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand lamented after his side’s 2-1 defeat to France.

If that offers an echo of Bobby Charlton marking Franz Beckenbauer, and vice versa, in both 1966 and 1970, it was not all Griezmann was doing. He was assisting, for starters: France’s winner came from a lovely waft of his left foot, curling a cross that Kylian Mbappe forced over the line. There might have been an equally elegant assist earlier, Griezmann supplying the defence-splitting pass from his own half, Mbappe reaching top gear before he was unceremoniously upended by Andreas Christensen.

Griezmann is more accustomed to getting on the end of such balls, albeit not quite at the same pace as Mbappe. But this is a different Griezmann; Griezmann 2.0; Griezmann the midfielder. He has long been comfortable in the No 10 role but now he is playing as a No 8. Didier Deschamps is sometimes damned with faint praise, a World Cup-winning manager deemed overly cautious and largely unoriginal. But whereas Deschamps’ century of French caps brought a mere four goals, Griezmann has more than 10 times as many. Yet, temporarily anyway, he has been shifted into the department his manager used to occupy.

Antoine Griezmann 2.0 keeps France on track at World Cup

World Cup results: The scores so far from Qatar 2022

14:23 , Michael Jones

The 2022 World Cup is in full swing as 32 nations began on 20 November aiming to lift the Jules Rimet trophy in Doha on 18 December.

The tournament is the first Fifa men’s World Cup to play out in the northern hemisphere’s winter, after it was moved from its original summer scheduling to combat Qatar’s intense heat.

Brazil came into tournament as the slight favourites to win the World Cup ahead of their South American rivals Argentina. The most fancied European nations at the start of the competition were England, Spain, France and Germany, with Belgium and Netherlands also considered dark horses. As the African champions, Senegal were considered Africa’s best hope of delivering a first World Cup for the continent.

The tournament has not been without controversy, from the mid-season scheduling which has seen a raft of injuries in the lead-up to kick-off, to the broader picture of Qatar’s exploitation of migrant workers in order to build the stadiums and infrastructure required to host the four-week event. Fifa president Gianni Infantino only added fuel to the fire when he gave his extraordinary pre-tournament speech, and what has followed has been vigorous debate around showing support for LGBTQ+ rights in a conservative Islamic country where homosexuality is illegal.

Despite the off-field issues, the players on the pitch have still served up an entertaining tournament, with goals, shocks, twists and turns.

Here are the results so far at World Cup 2022:

World Cup results: The scores so far from Qatar 2022

A strong title defence

14:19 , Michael Jones

France are the first World Cup holders to reach the round of 16 since Brazil in 2006.

They have won each of their last six World Cup games, their longest ever winning run in the competition. Only Italy in the 1930s and Brazil between 2002-2006 have ever had longer winning runs.

France players urged to take human rights stand at World Cup by sports minister

14:15 , Michael Jones

The French sports minister urged the national football team to make themselves heard amid a row over Fifa’s threat of sanctions for the “OneLove” armband.

On Wednesday, all Germany players placed their hands over their mouths in front of dozens of photographers on the pitch ahead of kickoff, after world soccer body Fifa had threatened seven European teams with sanctions if they wore the armband symbolising diversity and tolerance.

France are not among the seven teams, with French football federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet saying it would “follow the guidelines of Fifa”.

France players urged to take human rights stand at World Cup by sports minister

Tunisia vs France

14:12 , Michael Jones

The fans are arriving at the Education City stadium. France are already through to the next round so Didier Deschamps has made nine changes to the starting XI.

Those changes in personnel may just open the door for Tunisia to get the win they need to have a chance of getting out of the group. It’s unlikely as France’s squad is full of quality but Tunisia would rather face Randal Kolo Muani over Kylian Mbappe.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

France manager Didier Deschamps hails World Cup match-winner Kylian Mbappe

14:08 , Michael Jones

Didier Deschamps hailed “steam train” Kylian Mbappe as France reached the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Mbappe scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Denmark as the 23-year-old became the second player after Brazil great Pele to score seven or more World Cup goals before their 25th birthday.

“What can I say about Kylian?,” said France manager Deschamps, who is seeking to repeat Les Bleus’ 2018 World Cup triumph in Qatar. “I’ve said it time and time again. He is decisive and makes a difference. He is an exceptional player in an exceptional team.”

France coach Didier Deschamps hails World Cup match-winner Kylian Mbappe

Tunisia vs France

14:01 , Michael Jones

This will be the first competitive meeting between Tunisia and France but they have met four times with France winning all four matches.

Tunisia have won just two of their 17 World Cup matches and have yet to score in the 2022 World Cup. However, they need to defeat France today if they want to make it through to the knockout rounds.

Tunisia vs France team changes

13:54 , Michael Jones

There are loads of changes from both teams today. Jalel Kadri keeps just five of the players that lost to Australia in the starting XI and brings Wajdi Kechrida and Ali Maaloul into the defence.

Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri starts up front.

Didier Deschamps makes nine changes to the French team as they have already qualified for the last 16. Only Raphael Varane and Aurelien Tchouameni remain in the team.

Kylian Mbappe starts on the bench.

Tunisia vs France line-ups

13:47 , Michael Jones

Tunisia XI: Dahmen, Kechrida, Talbi, Meriah, Maaloul, Ghandri, Ali Ben Romdhane, Laidouni, Skhiri, Slimane, Khazri

France XI: Mandanda, Disasi, Varane, Konaté, Coman, Guendouzi, Tchouaméni, Fofana, Veretout, Camavinga, Kolo Muani.

Kadri’s hopes are high for victory against France

13:44 , Michael Jones

Tunisia boss Jalel Kadri believes his players can achieve something special this afternoon as they prepare to take on reigning champions France needing a win to keep their World Cups alive.

“The message I convey to our players is nothing is impossible, we are still alive, we are still motivated and we will ready for this last battle,” Kadri said.

“We still have high hopes. “I believe in the players and hopefully we will be lucky and move onto the next phase.”

England evolve and embrace a new strength at World Cup

13:39 , Michael Jones

Daniel Sturridge got one. So did Wayne Rooney. And that, it transpired, was the sum total of England’s goals in the 2014 World Cup. They had only mustered one more in 2010, Steven Gerrard, Jermain Defoe and Matt Upson the scorers.

So when Marcus Rashford brought up a century of World Cup goals for England, it underlined how few arrived in the years immediately before Gareth Southgate’s appointment. Some 23, almost a quarter, have come for a manager often deemed conservative in his style of play. If that is aided by the generosity of Panama and Iran, conceding six apiece in group games separated by four years, a second-half trio against Wales means England have only ever scored more goals in two World Cups than their nine now: 2018 and 1966. They are the top scorers in 2022. Not bad for a team being held back by a supposedly puritanical manager.

If the difference with the Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson years lies first and foremost in the quantity of goals, the new element is the identity of the scorers. It is no secret England have been over-reliant on Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in Southgate’s reign, particularly in tournament football when their next likeliest finishers seemed to be Harry Maguire and John Stones.

England evolve and embrace a new strength at World Cup

England turn attentions to ‘big business’ after World Cup win over Wales

13:33 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate said the “big business starts now” after Marcus Rashford’s brace helped England reach the World Cup knockout phase with a comprehensive victory against Wales.

The 104th meeting of the old rivals ended with last year’s European Championship runners-up wrapping up top spot in Group B on Tuesday evening at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Rashford’s brilliant free-kick and fizzing strike came either side of Phil Foden’s goal in Tuesday’s 3-0 triumph against Wales, who head home as England gear up for the last 16.

England turn attentions to ‘big business’ after World Cup win over Wales

Tunisia vs France

13:28 , Michael Jones

Tunisia have it all to do if they want to challenge for a spot in the knockout rounds and must defeat current World Champions France this evening.

As things stand in Group D, France have already qualified with two wins from two whilst Australia are second on three points with Tunisia and Denmark sitting on one point apiece.

Tunisia’s best chance of making it into the knockout rounds is a draw between Australia and Denmark or a low-scoring Denmark win followed by a victory over France by two goals or more.

That’s not an easy task at all.

Fifa confirm rainbow items will be allowed in World Cup stadiums

13:23 , Michael Jones

Fifa have finally given public assurances that rainbow items and banners supporting protests in Iran will be allowed into stadiums at the World Cup, as first revealed by The Independent.

Stadium security staff organized by Qatari authorities had seized items with rainbow colours and slogans such as “Women. Life. Freedom” to stop them from getting inside stadiums.

Seven European teams including England and Wales lost the fight to wear multi-colored “OneLove” armbands during their matches and some fans complained they weren’t allowed to bring items with rainbow colours, a symbol of LGBTQ rights, into the stadiums of the conservative Islamic emirate.

The match between Iran and the United States on Tuesday night was charged with emotion among Iranian fans, some of whom had come to Qatar not only to support their team, but the protest movement back home with banners and flags.

Fifa confirm rainbow items will be allowed in World Cup stadiums

Referee Stephanie Frappart to make World Cup history as part of all-female team

13:18 , Michael Jones

French referee Stephanie Frappart will make World Cup history as part of an all-female officiating team when she takes charge of Germany’s match against Costa Rica on Thursday.

Frappart will become the first female official to referee a men’s World Cup match, while Brazilian Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz will be the assistant referees for the Group E match.

Frappart, the fourth official for the Poland-Mexico clash in Group C last week, will be the main referee as she reaches another milestone in the sport.

The 38-year-old became the first female to officiate at a men’s World Cup qualifier in March and Champions League match in 2020.

She has also taken charge of the 2019 Uefa Super Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as the Coupe de France final in May this year.

Referee Stephanie Frappart to make World Cup history as part of all-female team

Tunisia vs France

13:00 , Jack Rathborn

Welcome to the Independent Sport’s live coverage of this Group D decider between France and Tunisia.

Les Bleus might be comfortable after booking their place in the last 16, but an upset could be on as the Africans eye victory for an unlikely place in the next round.

Denmark and Australia face off in the other match in the group and we’ll provide live updates from both games to keep you in the loop.

Kylian Mbappe’s Golden Boot hopes could be dented if he is rested for France’s match against Tunisia (PA Wire)
Kylian Mbappe’s Golden Boot hopes could be dented if he is rested for France’s match against Tunisia (PA Wire)

Tunisia vs France

12:58 , Jack Rathborn

France may well ease off the gas here knowing they are safely through and rotation is obvious, but Les Bleus have too much quality here and the competition in the squad will take them past a limited Tunisia, 3-0.