Title holders. Having build a well organised football infrastructure during recent decades (compared Africawide) which seems to guarantuee success even with the limited talent that a small population base can offer.
Europe comparisons: Sweden, Danmark
Clubs: top in Africa
Squad: mixed, many professionals at Europe, not all with a regular first team spot, several well homebased players
Coach: European. (Roger Lemerre, French).
A consistent build up under Roger Lemerre has produced a strong squad which weak spots have been filled by naturalised Brazilians. Lemerre is trying to fight the minority complex on intercontinental level but on African level the Tunisians rather feel superior and often play with confidence, especially at home.
They will have to transfer this to Egypt to be successful, nearly like Egypt the Tunisians are very much dependent on the psychological factor. They are helped by a relatively easier group but this cannot be take for granted as the potential of some opponents is still high.
Stability under Lemerre should provide a good result.
Stars: Trabelsi, Badra, Jaisi (defenders), Santos (striker, Toulouse).
Promising: Ben Arfa.