Renard takes over Tunisia with Japan clash looming

Renard takes over, Japan up next

Your World Cup is not over. Tunisia sacked Sabri Lamouchi after one match, the 5–1 collapse against Sweden, and Herve Renard is now in charge (3). The federation moved fast. An initial plan to install Mondher Kebaier as interim was scrapped. Renard, a two-time AFCON winner, gets the job permanently and his first test is immediate: Japan on Friday in Group F (1). No margin left. Lose and the tournament is done.

Sweden 5–1 Tunisia: what happened

June 14 in Group F. Sweden ran riot. Yasin Ayari was among the scorers in a 5–1 demolition that left Tunisia bottom of the group after one matchday (2). The performance was bad enough that Lamouchi did not survive it. L'Equipe reported several players had promised to leave the squad if he were dismissed, a pact that collapsed when Renard was appointed (3). The camp was fractured before a ball was kicked.

Japan await with qualification on the line

No more warm-up acts. Tunisia face Japan in their second Group F match Friday, and Renard has had only days to prepare (1). His reputation is built on this exact scenario: galvanising underdog sides with strict tactical discipline, most famously with Saudi Arabia. The predicted line-up is unsettled. BBC notes Renard's primary task is stabilising the squad and restoring structure (3). Everything else can wait.