France had a goal disallowed for offside by VAR in the final minute of stoppage time as Tunisia held on to record a shock victory.
However, despite the victory, they failed to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup.
Substitute Antoine Griezmann scored a dramatic equalizer at the Education City Stadium but a VAR decision meant Tunisian captain Wahbi Khazi’s superb second-half goal proved to be the winner.
However, Tunisia’s promotion hopes were dashed before Griezmann’s goal was denied in Australia’s 1–0 victory over Denmark in Group D’s second match.
“It’s mixed emotions because we’re happy to beat a team like France,” Tunisia manager Jalil Kadri said.
“We can be proud and hold our heads high, but this is a bittersweet victory.
“It would have been lovely to beat France and get to the last 16. It’s our fault that we needed to do it earlier.”
France are through to the last 16 as the group winners have already qualified by beating Denmark in the last game.
Despite his failure to progress, Tunisia captain Khazi produced the moment fans have been waiting for – a goal at this World Cup – when he drove to the edge of the box and coolly slotted it into the bottom right corner. rotated
The stadium was filled with emotion from the large number of Tunisian fans, as the Tunisian substitutes took to the pitch in a moment of pure excitement.
But their celebrations were short-lived as news of Australia’s lead began to spread through the stadium, with supporters checking their phones for updates on the second match in Group D.
France, who were largely transformed after their 2-1 win over Denmark to qualify as group winners, lacked quality in a disappointing performance.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and Atletico Madrid’s Griezmann were brought on late in the second half to try to get back into the game.
Despite the loud jeers and whistles from the Tunisian fans, they had an impact and Griezmann almost provided the goal they craved.
Didier Deschamps’ will face Group C runners-up Poland in the last 16 on Sunday 4 December (15:00 GMT).
Tunisia’s wait to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time continues as they are eliminated from the competition.
Dramatic evening as Tunisia’s hopes were dashed.
Tunisia knew they needed to win the game to maintain any chance of promotion and they started with plenty of intent.
Goalscorer Khazari was a threat, while France defender Eduardo Kamavanga was often overloaded and needed help from Liverpool centre-back Ibrahim Konate.
Tunisia’s support was overwhelming France and the majority were given a brief moment of celebration when Nader Ghandri’s volley beat goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, only to be ruled out for offside.
As the first half began, the impatience of the Tunisian fans began to show – although their support continued to flow – as chance after chance came, but goalkeeper Mandanda did not concede.
Then a moment of magic from Khazari opened up space on the edge of the box and his low, pinpoint strike beat Mandanga into the bottom corner.
The Tunisian fans were full of hope – they were going into the last 16 as things stood – but two minutes later, an Australian goal meant it was taken out of their hands.
“I said nothing is impossible. We have been able to win world champions,” Qadri added.
“We were able to prove our performance and we did our best. We worked as a team. It was not easy for us to get these four points [in the group stage] but we are very honored and proud. Departed.”
Deschamps wasted no time bringing on Mbappe and Griezmann in the second half and France were on the front foot from then on.
Tunisia clung on following a series of late corners, but Griezmann eventually found the back of the net through a deflection.
However, France’s celebration quickly turned to disappointment when the referee went to the pitch-side monitor to see the VAR and the goal was disallowed.
