By Thompson ABISOLA
Tunisia was made to suffer for what seems to be a lack of belief on Monday in Volgograd as they lost 1-2 to England in a Group G match.
In this Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup match, a stoppage-time header from Harry Kane added to the Tottenham player’s earlier goal to give England the win in their opening match.
A 35th minute Ferjani Sassi penalty kick had cancelled out Kane’s 11th minute opener, after Kyle Walker was adjudged to have elbowed Fakhreddine Ben Youssef.
Hassen later suffered an injury and was replaced by Farouk Ben Mustapha, who saved well to keep out a Harry Maguire header.
After the break, England who had wasted several good chances in the first half struggled to break down the deep defending African side.
But Tunisia’s act of defending seemed an act of lack of self-belief as they looked good enough to have punished the English side.
England left their rear wide open as they searched for the winning goal, leaving opportunities open for Tunisia to make hay if they had ventured.
However, when it seemed like Tunisia were almost getting away with their negative play, a Kieran Trippier corner kick gave an opportunity of a glancing header for Harry Maguire.
The header found Kane at the back post and the England captain nodded home to give his team a winning start.
England now goes on to face Panama, who were beaten 3-0 by Belgium in their opener, in their next Group G game on Sunday.
On their part, Tunisia will take on Belgium on Saturday at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow
