Tunisia, Saudi Arabia seek to end World Cup drought
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-06-14 11:45

MUNICH - Neither Tunisia or Saudi Arabia have particularly impressive records at the World Cup, but both have an opportunity to burnish their statistics when they meet here on Wednesday.

Tunisia turned heads when they won their first World Cup match in 1978, but 28 years later they're still waiting for victory number two.

Meanwhile Saudi Arabia also impressed on their debut, beating Morocco and Belgium to reach the knock-out round in 1994.

But two barren campaigns in 1998 and 2002 -- including a crushing 8-0 reverse to Germany -- have left them scratching around for another win.

Both need to pick up points here to stand any chance in an imposing Group H which also features Spain and Ukraine.

Tunisia's campaign has been given extra impetus by coach Roger Lemerre, who is seeking redemption after his World Cup nightmare four years ago with France.

The defending champions crashed out winless and goalless in one of the World Cup's greatest flops, with Lemerre receiving his marching orders soon afterwards.

Lemerre has already led Tunisia to the 2004 African Cup of Nations title, making him the only man to win different continental crowns after France's Euro 2000 triumph.

He has now set his sights on succeeding where he failed with France -- by reaching round two.

"Every country dreams of reaching the second round of the World Cup at least once in their history. That's my dream too," said Lemerre.

"The first two group matches will be decisive. After that day we will know where everyone is and what they have to do."

Tunisia has a dash of South American flair with the inclusion in the squad of Brazilian-born duo Jose Clayton and Santos, who helped them secure six wins and three draws in qualifying.
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