The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will be eyeing their first World Cup victory against a European side when they lock horns with Denmark in the Group D opening game slated for Tuesday, November 22, at the Education City Stadium, Doha. Both teams are making their sixth appearance at the world's greatest football fiesta. Tunisia, who made their World Cup debut in Argentina in 1978, are yet to go past the Group stage whereas Denmark who first featured in the tournament in 1986 in Mexico boasts of a quarter finals berth in France 1998. Tunisia have never beaten any European opponents at the World Cup, having only managed draws against West Germany in 1978 and Romania in during the 1998 World Cup edition in France. On paper, Denmark stand better chances of winning ahead of the match, reference to their recent form on the international stage thanks to which they twice beat defending champions France during the UEFA National League in 2022. Tunisia, on the other hand, look fearsome under new head coach Jalel Kadri who built a winning mentality in his men days after they were knocked out in the quarter finals of the 2021 AFCON by Burkina Faso Key fact from both teams: -Tunisia were the first African country to pick maximum points at the World Cup when they beat Mexico 3-1 during the 1978 showpiece in Argentina. - Tunisian AbdelMajid Chetali was the first African coach to handle an African team at the World Cup in 1978. -Denmark has never lost to an African opposition at the World Cup. -This is the first time Denmark is going to play against a North African opposition at the World Cup. -Danish coach Kaspar Hjulmand who played as a defender retired from football in 1998 at the age of 26 because of a knee injury. Key players to watch: Christian Eriksen(Denmark): The Manchester United midfielder is the engine of the Danish team. He has 117 senior national team caps to his credit scoring 39 goals since his debut in 2010. Eriksen, 30, will be an instrumental figure if the Danish are to get the perfect start they need. Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia): He is one of the most talented players in the Tunisian set up. The Montpellier player has 24 goals in 71 games to his name, since he made his senior debut for the North Africans in 2013.
