TUNISIA’S World Cup started with a 2-1 loss to England at Volgograd and if the north African side want to have any chances of advancing at the showpiece, they need Wahbi Khazri to fire against high-flying Belgians at Spartak Stadium on Saturday.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, who started his career at Bastia in 2009, has gradually developed into a significant player at the international level. After making his debut for Tunisia’s U-20 side in 2009, the France-born footballer has switched international allegiance more than once. He was called up by French U-21 team manager Erick Mombaerts for the 2013 UEFA Championship qualifiers against Romania and Slovakia. However, he played for France only once, against Italy earlier in February 2012.

Though his mobility at times has been questioned, Khazri remains Tunisia’s highly important player who will be required to manoeuvre his game against a team of Belgium’s class.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2018