Tottenham Hotspur of England striker Harry Kane scored twice as England overcame North African side Tunisia in an exciting and entertaining game in group G of the FIFA World Cup.
Baring in mind that England had never lost to an African side and that all African sides in Russia so far have lost their opening matches, Tunisia had it all to do against a young, energetic, hungry and star-studded England team.
This coupled with the fact that Belgium recorded a 3-0 victory over Panama earlier in the day, meant that both sides needed to be at their best to get a good result in their bid to qualify for the round of 16. But it was England who came guns blazing.
As early as the second minute, Lingard almost put the Three Lions ahead but the Tunisian goalkeeper, Hassen came up with a good reflex stop with his left leg as the Tunisian defence survived the early scare. Hassan then had to make another save from the corner as England kept threatening from set piece situations – the bane of African teams so far in Russia.
However in the 11th minute, the pressure finally paid off for England as once again, an African team (Tunisia) conceded from a set piece situation. John Stones’ was heading for the top corner when goalkeeper Hassen made an incredible stop only to push in into the path of captain Harry Kane who made no mistake from about three yards out to put the Three Lions ahead.
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The Stones’ save was however, Hassen’s last action in the game as he looked to have injured his shoulder in the process and was immediately replaced by Ben Mustapha. England then continued the game constantly pouring forward with one wave of attack after the other.
Somehow, against the run of play, Tunisia were handed a chance right back into the game courtesy of a silly foul by Kyle Walker on Ben Youssef F. in the England penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot and in the 35th minute Sassi stepped up to score what was the first goal by an African team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
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England then returned to normal duty pouring forward and attacking the Tunisian defence but couldn’t make the chances count. First, it was Raheem Sterling who couldn’t connect with Lingard’s pull back. Then Lingard himself had an effort which struck the upright; with newly introduced Ben Mustapha also making some saves to keep England at bay.
Tunisia tried to hold on for a famous draw but the England captain, Kane struck again in the 91st minute to give England all three points. Again, Tunisia failed to clear the aerial balls as Maguire flicked on a Trippier corner kick which was headed in by Kane beyond Ben Mustapha in the Tunisian goal.
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Tunisia take on Belgium next while England face debutants, Panama before both group G leaders meet in what many expect to be an epic clash.
