The North African side ensured they won’t leave Russia 2018 empty-handed but they were forced to overcome a Panama side who came close to recording their first ever World Cup win.

Second half strikes from Fakhereedine Ben Yousef and Wahbi Khazri canceled out a 33rd minute own goal from Yassine Meriah to record Tunisia’s sole World Cup win in a balmy Mordovia Arena on Thursday evening, sending the Central American side home without a point from their World Cup campaign.

Tunisia’s win was enough to secure third place behind group winners Belgium and runners-up England.

In truth, both sides will go home with their heads held high despite the gulf in class between them and the top two in Group G. Despite the defeat, Panama exorcised at least some of the demons from their 6-1 defeat against England turning in a gutsy performance which gave them a deserved first-half lead as Gabriel Torres’ shot was turned into his own net after an unfortunate deflection off Meriah’s boot.

Panama’s endeavor throughout the opening stages of the game, where they harried Tunisian possession continuously force errors, was reaping dividends and the goal was a just reward for starting the game the brighter of the two sides.

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