Tunisia aim to end winning drought against Panama

Tunisia may be out of contention at the World Cup, but the African nation still has unfinished business as it tries to snap a 40-year drought against Panama, reports Sporting News.

Back-to-back losses to Belgium (5-2) and England (2-1) consigned Tunisia to an early exit in Group G, alongside Thursday's opponent Panama.

Tunisia is winless in their last 13 World Cup matches, with four draws and nine losses, since winning its first ever World Cup match in 1978 against Mexico.

Hamdi Nagguez has revealed Tunisia is determined to end its long-standing losing streak as it bows out of this year’s event in Saransk.

“We played two matches against better teams than us, as we were in a difficult group,” defender 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.”

Tunisia, which conceded a last-gasp goal against England in its opener, was outclassed by Belgium last time out.

It is counting the cost of its efforts during the campaign too, with Dylan Bronn (ankle), Syam Ben Youssef (knee) and Mouez Hassen (shoulder) suffering World Cup-ending injuries.

Defender Ben Youssef, however, has decided to remain with the team until the end of the tournament.

Reflecting on the World Cup as a whole, he said: "We couldn't represent Africa well. Some things went against us, like the early penalty against Belgium, as well as the injuries we suffered.

“But we have to admit that our opponents were better, and have a lot of experience. We've already learned a lot of things during this tournament.”

Newcomer Panama is also preparing for its farewell outing following its 6-1 drubbing at the hands of a merciless England side on Sunday.

It has been a learning curve for the CONCACAF nation, which denied the United States a spot at the World Cup, and head coach Hernan Dario Gomez has been delighted with the experience.

“I've had to play against two spectacular opponents. But that's absolutely fantastic because that's how you learn and draw conclusions and that's how you can tell where your team is,” Gomez said.

“There are tremendous teams here at the World Cup, all with tremendous physical fitness, with lots of tactics and good technique, good pressing and organisation, speed on the pitch.

“I've really enjoyed watching the games at this World Cup and been very, very happy to be here. It's just such a pity that we've been knocked out.”

Tunisia aim to end winning drought against Panama

Tunisia may be out of contention at the World Cup, but the African nation still has unfinished business as it tries to snap a 40-year drought against Panama, reports Sporting News. Back-to-back losses to Belgium (5-2) and England (2-1) consigned Tunisia to an early exit in Group G, alongside Thursdays opponent Panama. Tunisia is winless in their last 13 World Cup matches, with four draws and nine losses, since winning its first ever World Cup match in 1978 against Mexico. Hamdi Nagguez has revealed Tunisia is determined to end its long-standing losing streak as it bows out of this years event in Saransk. We played two matches against better teams than us, as we were in a difficult group, defender 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. Tunisia, which conceded a last-gasp goal against England in its opener, was outclassed by Belgium last time out. It is counting the cost of its efforts during the campaign too, with Dylan Bronn (ankle), Syam Ben Youssef (knee) and Mouez Hassen (shoulder) suffering World Cup-ending injuries. Defender Ben Youssef, however, has decided to remain with the team until the end of the tournament. Reflecting on the World Cup as a whole, he said: We couldnt represent Africa well. Some things went against us, like the early penalty against Belgium, as well as the injuries we suffered. But we have to admit that our opponents were better, and have a lot of experience. Weve already learned a lot of things during this tournament. Newcomer Panama is also preparing for its farewell outing following its 6-1 drubbing at the hands of a merciless England side on Sunday. It has been a learning curve for the CONCACAF nation, which denied the United States a spot at the World Cup, and head coach Hernan Dario Gomez has been delighted with the experience. Ive had to play against two spectacular opponents. But thats absolutely fantastic because thats how you learn and draw conclusions and thats how you can tell where your team is, Gomez said. There are tremendous teams here at the World Cup, all with tremendous physical fitness, with lots of tactics and good technique, good pressing and organisation, speed on the pitch. Ive really enjoyed watching the games at this World Cup and been very, very happy to be here. Its just such a pity that weve been knocked out.