WORLD CUP 2006
Tunisia Tactics
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Tunisia are a hardy unit, well-drilled by Roger Lemerre, though there is always the feeling that something special is missing, the touch of inspiration that can turn tight matches in the team’s favour.
Forty-year-old Ali Boumnijel is the first-choice keeper, but erratic at best. Right-back Hatem Trabelsi is a strong attacking threat down the flank, while Jose Clayton also offers pace and thrust on the left. Karim Hagui and Radhi Jaidi are Lemerre’s favourite central defensive pairing, though newcomer David Jemmali is likely to make a strong bid for a place.
In midfield, captain Riadh Bouazizi plays a defensive role in tandem with Kaies Ghodhbane; if Lemerre wants a more attacking set-up, Sofiane Melliti can slot in in a playmaker role. The midfield’s attacking impetus comes from Adel Chedli’s terrier-like workrate, Chaouki Ben Saada’s running or the deft touches of Slim Benachour. Tunisia have rarely used the same four players in midfield in successive games.
Francileudo dos Santos is the automatic first-choice striker, and his pace allows Tunisia to play an effective counter-attacking game. Santos’ partner is usually Ziad Jaziri.
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