Tunisia vs Australia LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest updates

Less than an hour to go until kick off in this Group D encounter. The fans are flocking to the stadium and the atmosphere is building nicely.

Tunisia XI: Dahmen, Bronn, Meriah, Talbi, Drager, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi, Sliti, Jebali, Msakni

Australia XI: Ryan, Karacic, Souttar, Rowles, Behich, McGree, Mooy, Irvine, Leckie, Duke, Goodwin

This could be a game of fine margins but Tunisia should have just enough of an edge in terms of quality to get over the line. Tunisia 1-0 Australia.

Tunisia’s only win in their last 13 group-stage games since 1998 came against Panama four years ago. They’ll have their sights on three points today.

This is just the third meeting between Tunisia and Australia in all competitions – Australia won 3-0 in a friendly in October 1997, before Tunisia won 2-0 at the 2005 Confederations Cup.

Gareth Southgate is braced for the volume to turn up a notch at this “tournament of external noise” after stuttering England football team were held to a 0-0 draw by the United States.

Expectations were high after kicking off the World Cup with a 6-2 thrashing of Iran, only to be given a reality check in Friday’s Al Khor contest.

Christian Pulisic rattled the crossbar in the first half as Gregg Berhalter’s American side threatened to cause an upset against an England team that created precious little across the 90 minutes.

The goalless draw meant Southgate’s side blew the chance to wrap up progress to the knockout phase with a game to spare, leading to loud jeers echoing around Al Bayt Stadium at the final whistle.

Tunsia have no fresh injury concerns and could welcome back Wahbi Khazri into the side after his missed the first game.

Australia picked up no injury problems against France and are likely to send out a similar side despite the thrashing.

Tunisia: Dahmen, Bronn, Meriah, albi, Drager, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi, Msakni, Jebali, Khazri.

Australia: Ryan, Atkinson, Souttar, Rowles, Behich, Mooy, Leckie, Irvine, McGree, Goodwin, Duke.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the World Cup group stages. Today’s action sees play from Groups C and D as teams look to stride closer to a spot in the knockout rounds.

No team has made it into the last 16 as of yet with the Netherlands and England squandering chances to secure their spots yesterday in two drawn games but today could see the first nations advance out of the groups.

Following their shock victory over Argentina, Saudi Arabia would become the first nation to reach the knockouts if they also defeat Poland this afternoon and based on their performance against Lionel Messi’s side that isn’t out of the realms of possibility.

The current world champions, France, are also within one win of qualifying. The defeated Australia 4-1 in their opening Group D game and take on Denmark in the 4pm kick off today. Another victory there and they are safely through to the next round.

The day promises to be one of surprises and drama – as everyday is during the World Cup – so stick with us as we bring you all the build-up, team news and live coverage from all four matches.