GUADALUPE: Tunisia’s new coach Herve Renard said their performance must be perfect to have any hope against Japan on Saturday in Monterrey in what will be the landmark 1,000th World Cup match.
“I would like to insist that playing as a team is our only hope for tomorrow,” Renard told a press conference. “Maybe I am insisting too much... (but) our collective spirit must be perfect to face Japan.”
After Tunisia’s crushing 5-1 defeat in their opener against Sweden, the team fired former coach Sabri Lamouchi and rushed in fellow Frenchman Renard, who vowed to galvanise his shell-shocked team.
“We are seeking revenge and we believe this spirit will make a difference on the pitch,” he said.
Renard said that in the few days since he took charge, he had been focusing on the basics.
Tunisia are facing a tough challenge against Japan, who fought back twice to snatch a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
Renard, acknowledging his team were the underdogs, said Cape Verde’s draw with Spain would inspire his players.
Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2026