In Lille, Tunisia held off Brazil in a duel of rare intensity, punctuated by a missed penalty at the end of the match by Lucas Paquetá and an electric final where each team could have tipped the score.
The Eagles of Carthage deliver one of their strongest performances of the year, while the Brazilian press wonders about a sluggish and fragile Seleção.
Mastouri surprises a clumsy Seleção
Tunisia enters the meeting with determination, compact, disciplined, and capable of exploiting the slightest opening. On a perfectly executed rapid transition, Hazem Mastouri emerges and opens the scoring with a precise strike (24′).
The Seleção tried to regain control of the ball, but came up against a well-established Tunisian block. The internal circuits were blocked, the rhythm was choppy, and the gaps were rare. Increasingly nervous, Brazil increased the number of long-range attempts without really endangering the Tunisian goalkeeper.
But on a rare clear acceleration, the Brazilians obtain a penalty. Estevão, announced as a future senior member of the selection, converts the attempt with composure (44′). The match then turns into a mental and physical battle.
Collective discipline and Brazilian increase in intensity
When it resumes, Brazil seeks to raise its voice. The offensive entries added speed but Tunisia did not break. In the middle, the constant activity of the Tunisians closed the passing angles, while the defense won the key duels.
Ancelotti’s team was also exposed to the Tunisian counterattacks, whose liveliness regularly put the Seleção in difficulty. The balance of power was balanced: the Brazilians dominated possession, but the Tunisians controlled the dangerous areas.
Estevão post and Paquetá missed penalty
The meeting then entered a dramatic dimension. First, Lucas Paquetá won a penalty at the end of the match (78′). The opportunity was immense. But the Brazilian, under pressure, missed it.
The match then turns into a totally crazy scenario. At 90’+5 Ismaïl Gharbi brushed against the post with a curling shot, a few seconds later, Estevão, again, hit the Tunisian post on the following action. And yet, despite these actions in quick succession, the score remained stuck at 1-1.
In Brazil, incomprehension and criticism
In Brazil, the media were quick to harshly highlight this failure. The Brazilian press did not mince its words. From match management to lack of creativity, the media denounced a disappointing performance:
“Brazil wastes a penalty and does no better than a draw against Tunisia.”
“The Brazilian selection played badly and drew with Tunisia…”
Even Carlo Ancelotti, although measured, admitted this:
“We had a much more difficult match against Tunisia… we could have won. »
For Tunisia, this draw is no coincidence. It is based on three key elements. Firstly, an impeccable defensive organization by locking down the central areas, winning important duels and perfectly managing transitions. Added to this are offensive efficiency despite few opportunities and rare emotional control.
This match signals a state of mind, collective cohesion and clear progress in the run-up to the Arab Nations Cup and the CAN.
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