Saudi Arabia: Zaid, Dhoki, Sulimani, Almontashari, Tukar, Alghamdhi, Aziz, Noor(Ameen 75), Kariri, Al Temyat(Al Hawsawi 67), Al Khatani(Al Jaber 82)

Match Report: After seeing Spain annihilate Ukraine this bacame a must win game for both these teams, given that three points would be a massive step towards qualification for the second phase of the tournament. Both sides are relative minnows of World Cup competition and a progression out of the Group stage would be a major achievment.

Given that there was so much at stake, it is perhaps no surprise that the opening exchanges in this game were very cautious from both teams. Tunisia had the better of the possession early on, but no real penetration or chances to speak of. Their wing backs had plenty of the ball, but as Tunisia were reluctant to throw men forward, there were few options in front of them.

The brightest spark for them was Jaziri, whose good close control and jinking running looked capable of causing problems for an edgy Saudi back four. It was Jaziri who broke the deadlock on 23 minutes from a set piece. As the ball came in from a right sided free kick there appeared to be little danger until a Saudi headed clearance dropped kindly for Jaziri who pounced and smashed home an unstoppable volley from just inside the box.

The goal brought the Saudis into the game a bit more and Al Temyat was keen to get involved in all their set pieces, and any movements up close to the Tunisian box, but it was Al Khatani who looked the more likely scorer. His speed and movement along the back line was obviously giving the Tunisians trouble in tracking him.

The game itself drifted into half time, with little else in the way of goalmouth action and no real chances to speak of.

Half Time: Tunisia 1 Saudi Arabia 0

The second half started much brighter, especially for the Saudis, for whom the team talk seemed to have done the trick. There was much more purpose about their football and Noor became much more involved on the right and through the middle running from deep. Tamyat put another free kick over the bar just before the hour, and Tunisia were now struggling to get out of their own territory.

Suddenly Noor was freed into open space down the right and was quickly onto the ball crossing hard and low with his first touch. Al Kahtani had spotted the opportunity and burst acreoss his marker to make a beeline for the near post, where he intercepted the cross and sent it high into Boumnijer's net. A really excellent, and on the balance of play deserved equalising goal.

Saudi Arabia now sensed they could go on and win this game, and credit is due to coach Paqueta who two forwards in an effort to win the game. Tunisia looked very jittery indeed at this point. With the Saudis on top and passing well, Paqueta made his last substitution - Al Jaber on for Al Khatani with less than ten minutes to go.

Al Jaber who is a legend in his own country soon made the difference. Al Hawsawi, himself on as a sub, latched onto a through ball in acres of space on the right and spotted Al Jaber veering away into the space that was opening up on the left. A simple cross field pass into Al Jaber's stride gave him the opportunity to score. There was still some work to do, but the assured finish was done with cool precision, a firm left foot strike along the ground and across the keeper into the far corner. Surely Paqueta's gamble had paid off, with less than five minutes left.

Straight from the restart Tunisia regained their ambition, realising that a defeat would be disastrous for their chances. Ghodbane shot over from 35 yards, and Jaziri again tormented the Saudi defence, but it was not one way traffic.

Sulimani had a free kick from an acute angle which hit the corner of post and crossbar which almost sealed it. We were now into stoppage time.

With the game almost over, Jaidi pushed up as a makeshift striker muscled into the box having anticipated a cross from his team mate, and planted a header past Zaid in the Saudi goals. The crosser - Jaziri.

A stirring finish, but a cruel blow for the Saudis who just about deserved to win this game for their attitude in going for broke when Tunisia were reluctant to commit fully to the attack.

Full Time: Tunisia 2 Saudi Arabia 2

Tunisia Ratings: Boumnijer 5, Jemmali 5, Jaidi 6, Haggui 6, Namouchi 6, Trabelsi 5, Bouazizi 4, Mnari 5, Chedli 5, Jaziri 7, Chikahoui 5.
Subs: Nafti 5, Essediri 5, Ghodbane 5.

Saudi Arabia Ratings: Zaid 6, Dhoki 6, Sulimani 6, Almontashari 5, Tukar 5, Alghamdhi 5, Aziz 6, Noor 6, Kariri 5, Al Temyat 6, Al Khatani 7
Subs: Ameen 5, Al Hawsawi 7, Al Jaber 7

Referee: M.Shield (Australia) 5. Did O.K, maybe a little picky with one or two things, but generally sound.

Good: The Saudi second half performance merited success for actually having the conviction to go all out for the win. I hope Sven Goran Eriksson was watching.

Bad: The first half was dull, drab and frankly boring. Perhaps the occasion got to the players a little bit, there was a lot at stake.

Ugly: Keeper in his pyjamas I know it's serious. The Saudi Keeper Zaid, for some reason decided to play in his pyjama pants.