A World Cup Debut For Benalouane In Tunisia Defeat

World Cup
23 Jun 2018
1 Minute
Yohan Benalouane made his FIFA World Cup debut as a 41st minute substitute in Tunisia's 5-2 defeat by Belgium in Moscow on Saturday.

- Leicester City defender Yohan Benalouane comes off the bench during a 5-2 defeat for Tunisia
- Belgium ran out as victors courtesy of braces from Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku and Michy Batshuayi's late strike
- Benalouane was a 41st minute substitute for Tunisia in Moscow
- Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy could feature for England against Panama on Sunday

In a match which, in the early stages at least, was tighter than the scoreline may suggest, Roberto Martínez's Belgians showed enough cutting edge to secure a second Group G victory.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Romelu Lukaku doubled their lead 10 minutes later, although Dylan Bronn swiftly halved that advantage.

Benalouane's Tunisia were unable to halt a commanding attacking performance from Belgium.

When Syam Ben Youssef was forced off with an injury just before the break, it presented Benalouane, 31, with an opportunity to make his maiden World Cup appearance from the bench.

However, the Belgians soon took control of the clash with Lukaku netting once more before half-time while Hazard added another, from the penalty spot, six minutes into the second half.

In the latter stages, Michy Batshuayi got a fifth for Martínez's side to conclude what was an impressive attacking performance, but defensive frailties resurfaced for Wahbi Khazri's 93rd minute consolation.

The result means that Tunisia will be eliminated from the World Cup if England, who have Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy among their ranks, defeat Panama on Sunday (1pm BST kick-off).

For regular news updates from Russia, head to LCFC.com/WorldCup.