Tunisian fans ecstatic after late VAR drama secures bittersweet World Cup 2022 win over France

By Sunita Iyer  |  First Published Nov 30, 2022, 10:55 PM IST

Late VAR drama helped Tunisia secure a historic 1-0 victory over defending champions France at the Qatar World Cup 2022 on Wednesday. However, despite this win, Tunisia failed to go through the round of 16 owing to Australia's win over Denmark in their Group D encounter.


Doha's Education City Stadium witnessed a historic encounter at the Qatar World Cup 2022 after late VAR drama helped Tunisia secure a 1-0 win over defending champions France on Wednesday. However, despite securing the three points, Tunisia failed to go through to the knockout stages after Australia beat Denmark 1-0 to move to the second position in the Group D table.

Also read: Qatar World Cup 2022, AUS vs DEN: Netizens overjoyed as Socceroos seal pre-quarters place

Tunisia defeat France but the holders finish top of Group D 👏 |

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup)

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Tabletoppers Didier Deschamps used this match to give nine of his squad members a chance to perform at this World Cup.

Wahbi Khazri, however, whipped in a corner that alarmed keeper Steve Mandanda, and Tunisia was the team that was doing the majority of the action in the early going. Tunisia had the ball in the net with seven minutes remaining, but Nader Ghandri's goal was ruled out for offside.

In the 25th minute, Kingsley Coman's attempt missed the target as Les Bleus finally awoke from their slumber. 

As soon as the second half started, Eduardo Camavinga fouled Khazri from behind, prompting Tunisia to request a penalty.

In the 58th minute, though, Khazri scored one of the best individual goals of the competition by jinking past two players and slotting the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

Tunisia's first goal against France was Wahbi Khazri's goal⚽️ pic.twitter.com/62OrShY5T4

— allaowعلاو (@allaow)

France decided to bring on their stars as Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann made their way onto the pitch. In the dying minute of the game, Griezmann scored a goal, which was disallowed for offside.

Also read: Can Spain win Qatar World Cup 2022? Defensive midfielder Rodri gives ultimate response

This late VAR drama in the 99th minute of the clash sent Tunisian fans in the stadium and the world over into a tizzy as they produced one of the most shocking results of this World Cup.

Commentator reaction after VAR cancels Griezmann's goal for France against Tunisia😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Dx18Q2hCS9

— mx (@MessiMX30iiii)

"Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina Japan 2-1 Germany Morocco 2-0 Belgium Tunisia 1-0 France Football is a beautiful game," noted one fan on Twitter.

Another user on the micro-blogging site added, "Tunisia have beaten France in a huge upset at the FIFA World Cup! Tunisia are ranked 30th in the world, France are 4th. France had not lost a World Cup match since losing to Germany in 2014. Massive result!"

"Tunisia's courageous win against defending champions France not enough, they are OUT of the World Cup," remarked a third fan.

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Here's a look at some of the reactions to Tunisia's historic win over France:

This Tunisia vs France game is a fantastic example of why I haven’t understood off side in 34 years of my existence. What a game!!

— Danish Sait (@DanishSait)

HUGE win for Tunisia 🇹🇳 against their former colonist, France. They played courageously, and almost advanced. pic.twitter.com/GE24OJkfeA

— Khaled Beydoun (@KhaledBeydoun)

Tunisia gave a tough time to France well played but unlucky, couldn't qualify for the round of 16. Australia defeated Denmark and qualified from this group. pic.twitter.com/6DBlHf5GlI

— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan)

Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina
Japan 2-1 Germany
Morocco 2-0 Belgium
Tunisia 1-0 France

Football is a beautiful game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xZqK8s1iyA

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)

Tunisia have beaten France in a huge upset at the FIFA World Cup! Tunisia are ranked 30th in the world, France are 4th ❤️

France had not lost a World Cup match since losing to Germany in 2014. Massive result! pic.twitter.com/0GuAhFQLOl

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)

FT: Tunisia 1-0 France

Tunisia’s courageous win against defending champions France not enough, they are OUT of the World Cup😥 pic.twitter.com/nVgSEbOXL0

— Thierry Nyann 🇬🇭 (@nyannthierry)

Seeing France losing to Tunisia but realising they’re saving their best players for the knockout rounds pic.twitter.com/P4kIoPMBsp

— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible)

I’m not that bothered about the World Cup but seeing Tunisia beating France was fantastic for them despite still going out. Go Tunisia. pic.twitter.com/ScWaAmCP5R

— Brian (@OneScouse)

Tunisia 🇹🇳 become the first African team to be eliminated from the World Cup but they’ll celebrate that bittersweet 1-0 victory against the reigning champions France 🇫🇷.

One goal in three games is not enough at this stage really. Tough luck though. pic.twitter.com/5kmolhaFn2

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha)

Such dramatic scenes at vs , last second goal from France against Tunisia then check and its No goal. Tunisia won pic.twitter.com/ekda318VF9

— Jibran Hassan (@jibz111)

tunisia winning over france.. I used to pray for times like this pic.twitter.com/moOWkaQH2d

— nae (@doypopper)

Big France cannot win against small Tunisia. I kind of like it.

— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen)

France Supporters coming back to earth after Tunisia beat France pic.twitter.com/bLATwr3j0E

— Saad (@Fallen_x_King)

Nah I don't care if France are already qualified man, seeing them lose to Tunisia will always make me feel great 😆 pic.twitter.com/ANgk9CPzFi

— KingKun10 🇵🇹🇧🇪🇬🇭🇸🇳🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@AguxroRole)
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