Tunisia's World Cup ends in disaster as Renard keeps options open

Tunisia 1–3 Netherlands, the tournament ends

Three matches. Three defeats. 2 goals scored, 12 conceded. Tunisia lost 1–3 to the Netherlands in the final group game, and Hannibal Mejbri and Ellyes Skhiri were late returning for the second half (1). German commentator Tom Bartels could not believe it: "Das kann ja auch nicht wirklich ihr ernst sein", you cannot be serious (1). That image, two senior players missing the restart, sums up a campaign that never found its footing.

Renard is keeping his options open

After the elimination, Hervé Renard told RMC Sport he is "libre de choisir le meilleur projet pour le futur", free to choose the best project for the future (2). He stepped in after the federation sacked Sabri Lamouchi following the opening match, but the results did not turn. Renard warned before taking over there were "no magicians in football." Now he sounds like a man with one eye on the exit.

Tunisia singled out as Africa's letdown

La Repubblica reviewed Africa's World Cup performances and drew one sharp conclusion: Tunisia were the only real disappointment among the continent's teams (3). While others impressed, the Carthage Eagles flew home with zero points and a 2–12 goal difference. The Tunisian press called it "affligeant", pitiful. Defender Ali Abdi, in tears after the Japan thrashing, demanded a full rebuild and the removal of veteran players.