Defending champions, France, had already qualified for the Last 16 of the World Cup heading into the final matchday of Group C. As a result, they fielded a heavily rotated side with nine changes. But surprisingly, they were defeated 1-0 by Tunisia.
And elsewhere, Australia defeated Denmark 1-0 to earn their place in the Round of 16 – a shocking result considering the kind of quality the European side have shown recently.
World Cup 2022: France and Australia through to Last 16 from Group D
Seven minutes into the game, Tunisia had the ball in the back of the net against France. But their goal was disallowed for being offside. Wahbi Khazri scored a remarkable solo goal 58 minutes in, finally giving his side the lead.
Antoine Griezmann thought he had equalised for the reigning champions. But, his effort was disallowed, giving the African side one of the most shocking results of the year.
Australia, on the other hand, struck on the counter attack, with Mathew Leckie scoring with a low finish. Denmark were poor throughout the second half, and could not muster up a fluid attack to trouble their opponents.
The Danes finished at the bottom of their group, winless in their last six matches, while the Socceroos have qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup for only the second time ever.
