Skhiri apologises to Tunisia fans, admits they lacked level to compete at World Cup

The Carthage Eagles’ FIFA World Cup campaign came to an abrupt end on Saturday after a heavy 4-0 defeat against Japan at Estadio Monterrey Guadalupe in Mexico in their second Group F match.

Tunisia had lost their opener 5-1 against Sweden, the outcome that led to the sacking of coach Sabri Lamouchi and the appointment of Herve Renard ahead of the clash with Japan.

Daichi Kamada put Japan ahead after finishing a cross from Keito Nakamura. Kamada’s opener was his second of the tournament and the fastest goal that Japan have scored at a World Cup.

The previous quickest goal was by Shinji Kagawa in 2018 against Colombia, when he scored in the sixth minute.

Ayase Ueda made it 2-0 for Japan, Junya Ito slotted home the third, before Ueda grabbed a second late on to complete the emphatic victory.

Speaking to FIFA.com, captain Skhiri expressed his deep regret towards Tunisia’s supporters and admitted the team had fallen short of the standards required on football’s biggest stage.

‘We apologise to our supporters’

"We have to be honest with ourselves," said Skhiri. "When we look at our performances in the last two matches, the truth is simple: we do not have the level required for this tournament right now.

"That is the reality. I am truly sorry to the Tunisian people."

Skhiri added: "We apologise to our supporters. We are deeply sorry and very disappointed. We understand that they are not happy at all, and apologies alone are not enough.

"There is nothing else we can say. We simply have to work, improve and show it on the pitch. That is what people expect from us - actions, nothing more."

On conceding nine goals from two matches, Skhiri, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt, admitted the team had committed too many individual mistakes, which was unacceptable at this level.

"At this level, you cannot afford to make mistakes like that," offered Skhiri. "Our problem was not a lack of effort.

"We simply do not have the required level right now. Japan were much better than us, and we have to congratulate them on their performance.

"We also need to apologise to our fans once again and accept the difference between the two teams."

With no points from their opening two matches, Tunisia are now mathematically eliminated from the competition.

Their final Group F fixture against the Netherlands will serve only as an opportunity to restore some pride and avoid leaving the tournament without a point.