Fresh off reaching the semifinals of Euro 2020, Denmark entered the 2022 World Cup with its sights set on another deep run at a major tournament, but its Group D opener against Tunisia is off to a slow start. Despite enjoying majority of possession, the Danes could not pick all points at stake and settled for a drawn game.
Tunisia were more loudly supported inside the stadium and got off to a bright start that seemed to catch the Danes a little cold. The first big chance went their way too, with Mohamed Drager’s shot taking a deflection off Andreas Christensen and only narrowly flashing wide of the post.
Here are four thongs we learned from the exciting clash.
Eriksen’s impact on the game deteriorated as the game went on
During the first half, Hojbjerg, Eriksen and Olsen were all helping Denmark dominate the game and carve through their opponents, but the intensity soon slipped. Eriksen may be viewed as little more than a squad player despite having a mixed spell with Manchester United, but he is the only creative player in the middle of the park.
He worked hard throughout, winning the ball and keeping the shape, but he didn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck, which he was expected to do. There is a lot of optimism surrounding the team right now and, for the first time in years, it may not be blind. Kasper Hjulmand has brought professionalism off the pitch and a well thought out tactical system on it; the players look like they can thrive, but creativity is still badly lacking.
Aymen Dahmen was Tunisia’s hero of the day
Dahmen produced an accomplished performance between the sticks for Tunisia, and the goalkeeper has cemented his place as his country’s number one. He produced the goods in both halves in a game totally dominated by Kotoko. Point blank saves and ability to control and organise his defence were a sign of his growing confidence and although he took two goals, his ability was never questioned.
Issam Jebali is Saudi Arabia’s key to a successful World Cup campaign
From Tunisia’s point of view, it was a good day’s work; they kept their shape and showed bravery in attack when an opportunity arose. Denmark were clearly beyond their level, but just qualifying for this winter’s showpiece event is an achievement, so that is to be expected. If they are to progress in the tournament, beyond the three group games at least, they will need Issam Jebali to shine as brightly as he did on Tuesday afternoon.
He led by example, taking the ball to Denmark and, particularly, Joachim Andersen, before testing Schmeichel on a couple of occasions. It isn’t hard to see the impact he has on the rest of the team; once they saw him playing with such confidence, everybody else followed suit.
Jalel Kadri building a strong Tunisian side
On paper, there is nothing particularly special about this Tunisian team. Yet Kadri has succeeded in creating a unit which is more worth more than the sum of its parts- and that bodes extremely well for the side. Every member of the team knew his individual and collective responsibilities on Tuesday, and although there were moments when the Carthage Eagles relied on a bit of luck, they generally carried out their tasks well.
The confidence he has instilled in the team suggests a bright future; they play a lot with a huge gulf in quality and Kadri deserves the chance to build something long term if he so pleases.
