World Cup

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World Cup | Group Stage

Nov 30, 2022 at 3pm UK

Tunisia
1 - 0
France

Khazri (58')
Kechrida (28')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Jalel Kadri rules out Tunisia resignation after World Cup exit

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 01 December 2022

Tunisia manager Jalel Kadri insists that he will not be resigning from his post after his side exit the 2022 World Cup, despite a 1-0 win over holders France.

Tunisia manager Jalel Kadri has said that any decision on his future will not be made by him following the Eagles of Carthage's exit from the World Cup at the group stage.

Tunisia went into the 2022 tournament seeking a spot in the knockout stages for the first time in their history, having previously taken part in five World Cups without advancing beyond the group stage.

Kadri's side had only taken one point from their clashes with Australia and Denmark, losing 1-0 to the Socceroos and drawing 0-0 with the Danes to leave them in a perilous position after two games.

The Eagles of Carthage needed to stun world champions France to have a shot at qualifying for the last 16, and they got the job done against a much-changed Bleus side thanks to Wahbi Khazri's effort.

However, Australia's win over Denmark meant that Graham Arnold's side made it through to the knockout rounds alongside France, forcing Tunisia to accept a third-placed finish in Group D.

Tunisia forward Wahbi Khazri celebrates scoring against France at the World Cup on November 30, 2022. © Reuters

Following Wednesday's inconsequential victory, Kadri was asked about his chances of leaving the national team, having failed in his objective to lead them to the last 16 of the World Cup.

The 50-year-old seemingly ruled out his chances of stepping down from his post, though, telling the press: "I don't know why you insist that I resign. I have a contract that is based on objectives.

"The objective was not fulfilled but we still have some time before making a final decision. It's up to the Tunisian (soccer) federation to decide what happens now."

Tunisia players and staff on the bench learned of Australia's win just before France thought they had stolen a point, with Antoine Griezmann netting right at the death.

However, the Atletico Madrid man's effort was chalked off for offside after the final whistle following a VAR review, and Kadri insisted that his players could leave Qatar with their heads held high.

Tunisia left frustrated by disallowed goal against France at the World Cup on November 30, 2022. © Reuters

"It's mixed feelings because we're happy to beat a team like France. We can be proud and leave with our head high, but it is a bitter victory," Kadri added.

"It would have been beautiful to beat France and reach the last 16. It is our fault for not doing what we needed to do before. I said nothing is impossible. We have been able to win over the world champions.

"We have been able to prove our efficiency and we did our best. We worked as a team. It wasn't easy for us to get these four points [in the group stage] but we leave with a lot of honour and pride."

Kadri served as assistant to Mondher Kebaier before taking the reins in January, and he now has a record of seven wins, three draws and three defeats from his 13 games in charge.

Following the decision to disallow Griezmann's goal, France are now reportedly set to lodge a complaint to FIFA after feeling that the attacker's strike was "wrongly" not given.