Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hailed Tunisia's football team on Twitter for their heroic performance and stunning FIFA World Cup defending champion France.
" Tunisia's Eagles of Carthage entertained us with their heroic performance and true football game. Congratulations for their historic win against FIFA World Cup holders. Their win is an Arab victory and an outstanding mark in the history of the World Cup," Sheikh Mohammed said in a tweet.
Tunisia stunned defending champion France, but it was insufficient to advance to the knockout stage.
The Carthage Eagles almost advanced to the round of 16 thanks to Wahbi Khazri's second-half goal, which enthralled the throngs of Tunisian fans jammed into Education City Stadium.
However, two minutes later on the opposite side of the town at Al Janoub Stadium, Mathew Leckie gave Australia the lead against Denmark, moving the Socceroos above of Tunisia and into the second position in Group D.
After a thorough VAR review, Antoine Griezmann's volley in the 98th minute that appeared to have deprived Tunisia a historically significant, yet fruitless, victory was overturned, allowing Jalal Kadri's team to exit the tournament on a high note.
