An African star has vowed that his country will make it out of their 2022 FIFA World Cup group despite having reigning world champions France lined up alongside them.
Tunisia star Wahbi Khazri has claimed that his side will progress beyond the group stage in Qatar although they have been drawn in Group D with France, Australia, and Denmark.
The African side are ranked 30th in the world, according to FIFA, and they remain ahead of the Socceroos, who are the lowest-ranked side in their group in the 39th spot.
The Eagles of Carthage have qualified for the tournament on six occasions and have never made it past the first round. However, Khazri believes that their upcoming sixth attempt will yield a different result for his "well-oiled" side.
"I believe we can make it out. We have a well-oiled team that has been together for a long time," Khazri told BBC Sport Africa.
"France are superior to us and are competing for the title, Denmark is a good team and Australia is as well. I think we have a chance to play in the next round and we will have to be efficient in the first two games.
"Before the last World Cup in Russia, we delivered solid performances against Spain and Portugal, then beat Croatia a year after they finished as runners-up.
"We are able to perform against big teams. It will be a dream fulfilled to reach the second round."
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The 31-year also discussed coming up against his country of birth France, revealing that his loyalty lies with Tunisia regardless.
"Being born in France and playing for Tunisia is special - the two countries are very close and it will be an exciting moment," he added.
"Playing in the French league as well, we know a lot of people will be watching and we'll be playing against some of the best in the world, like Benzema, Mbappe and [Antoine] Griezmann.
"We will have to play this game to the fullest and come out of it without regrets. It's going to take a lot of emotions and it's possible that our qualification will be decided in this match.
"There will be no split loyalties at home as everyone will be 100% Tunisian on my side. I hope it goes well for us."
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