Panama vs Tunisia
On paper, this may not be the most exciting match. However, after what both nations have gone through and considering what’s at stake, football fans could be in for a treat in the final game of the World Cup 2018 group stage.
Panama vs Tunisia pits two nations that could be described as the worst in the tournament, having conceded a combined total of 16 goals between them all while just hitting four markers.
Not to mention that they are already out of contention for the knockout stages after losing their first two Group G matches in embarrassing fashion.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean they have no reason to win this game. Reputation and pride aside, improving their World Cup legacies is something the two nations will be desperate to do before heading back home.
Talking Points
For Tunisia, the aim is breaking a 40-year drought that has haunted them since winning their first ever World Cup game in 1978 against Mexico.
The Eagles of Carthage have not won in 13 World Cup contests since then, their latest a 1-2 defeat to England and a 5-2 loss to the Belgian Red Devils.
Tunisia defender Hamdi Nagguez acknowledged their struggle against far stronger opponents, but he reiterated the team’s desire to end their long-standing slump when they play the Canaleros in their farewell match at Mordovia Arena.
“We played two matches against better teams than us, as we were in a difficult group,” Nagguez said. “Now, we should focus on the last match and win against Panama and stop this run of 40 years without winning a World Cup match.”
Meanwhile, for Panama, they will be looking to get their first-ever win in their first-ever World Cup.
They got their first goal of the tournament when Felipe Baloy struck a 78th-minute consolation goal in their 6-1 humiliation at the hand of England. Now, they will hope to keep the goals on their way for that precious win.
Furthermore, three points in this match will help Panama avoid getting the unwanted title of the “worst performing” team in FIFA 2018. They are currently at zero points, with one goal scored and nine goals conceded—resulting to a minus-eight goal difference.
As for the key players to watch, Tunisia’s Wahbi Khazri will be crucial for the nation after helping them bag two goals against Belgium, scoring one and assisting on the other.
The Eagles of Carthage are nursing crucial injuries to Dylan Bronn, Syam Ben Youssef and Mouez Hassen, so the pressure is on Khazri to deliver for his nation in time of need.
On the other hand, Panama will undoubtedly look at Baloy once again to provide scoring. At 37, he is the fourth oldest player to score in a World Cup—behind the likes of Roger Milla, Gunnar Gren and Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
Sure enough, Baloy will be keen to add more to his tally. And what better way to do it than against Tunisia, in a match where they have a chance to make another history?
The Panama-Tunisia results matter, at least for the two nations and their supporters, so it’s not wrong to expect a tight affair when they meet.
History
The two nations have never faced each other before, not even in a friendly, which makes for an even more interesting affair.
If experience on the big stage is to be considered, however, Tunisia have the advantage.
As mentioned above, this is Panama’s first World Cup appearance. In contrast, Tunisia have played in four World Cups before—though they never really found success and repeatedly failed to get out of the group stage.
For what it’s worth, Panama boss Hernan Dario Gomez is no longer new to managing in the FIFA-backed competition. He led his native Colombia in the finals in 1998 before replicating the feat with Ecuador back in 2002.
What are the odds?
Tunisia are overwhelming favourites with 1X2 odds at 1.86, while debutants Panama are at 4.20.
Moreover, the Panama vs Tunisia betting odds at SBOBET point to a high-scoring affair, no thanks to the poor defensive effort that they have shown so far. Over 2.75 goals is at 1.99, while Total Goal 2-3 is at 1.93.
A Total Goal of 4-6 is even a possibility at odds of 3.05—suggesting that it’s more likely to happen than a 0-1 goal that pays out at 3.85.
Don’t expect both teams to light it up immediately though, with a First Half Correct Score 0-0 at 2.20.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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