June 5 – Tunisia’s World Cup players appear to have discovered an ingenious way of breaking their Ramadan fasts in the build-up to the tournament.
In friendly matches against Portugal and Turkey, goalkeeper Mouez Hassen appeared to feign injury at sundown when the fast traditionally comes to an end. As he lay on the pitch receiving medical treatment to allow a break in play, his teammates rushed to the touchline to take in water provided by the coaching staff and snack on dates.
Against Portugal the North African nations bagged an equaliser six minutes after the break in play and held on for a 2-2 draw.
And in the 49th minute of the game against Turkey, Hassen lay flat on his back while several Tunisian players ran over to the touchlines to grab some food – their first source of nourishment in hours. That game also ended 2-2.
Unbeaten during their qualifying campaign, Tunisia are making their return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.
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