Andreas Skov Olsen (C) of Denmark reacts during the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
DOHA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Denmark was held to a goalless draw by Tunisia in their World Cup Group D match here on Tuesday.
Denmark, who reached the semifinals at Euro 2020 last year, took most of the possession in the first half but failed to pose threat to the North African side.
Tunisia, encouraged by a bigger crowd of supporters, who booed the Danes every time they touched the ball, was close to opening the account for several times.
Anis Slimane made a brilliant solo run in the 23rd minute before beating Kasper Schmeichel in the box, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
They should have pulled ahead in the 43rd minute when Issam Jebali raced to the box with only Schmeichel to beat, but the former Leicester goalkeeper outstretched his arms to keep the shot out.
Christian Eriksen, playing his third World Cup, proved that he was still the soul of the team after recovering from the collapse on the pitch following a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. He caused trouble constantly to the Tunisia defense with set pieces.
The 30-year-old Manchester United star created the best chance as the Danes started to play more vigorously in the second half. He delivered a powerful shot from the edge of the box but his effort was saved by Tunisia keeper Aymen Dahmen.
Tunisia survived a penalty scare in injury time as the ball hit the arm of Yassine Meriah. Referee Cesar Arturo Ramos waved off Denmark's plea after checking the VAR.
It was the first goalless draw after six matches at the World Cup. Tunisian fans exploded in celebration after the final whistle. They have enough reasons to celebrate by scoring a precious point against the 10th-ranked Denmark, 20 places above them.
Tunisia will next play Australia, and Denmark will take on reigning champion France. ■
Andreas Skov Olsen (L) of Denmark competes during the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Christian Eriksen (front R) of Denmark vies with Ali Abdi (front L) of Tunisia during the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Andreas Skov Olsen (2nd R) of Denmark shoots during the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Joachim Andersen (top) of Denmark vies for a header during the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Joachim Andersen (front) of Denmark controns the ball during the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Kasper Schmeichel (front), goalkeeper of Denmark, greets the audience with teammates after the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
Naim Sliti of Tunisia greets the audience after the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Youssef Msakni (C) of Tunisia walks with his daughters after the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Montassar Talbi (L) and Youssef Msakni of Tunisia greet the audience after the Group D match between Denmark and Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
