ES Tunis Shocks LAFC with 1-0 Win in Club World Cup Clash at Geodis Park
In a tournament full of pressure and big moments, ES Tunis created the biggest surprise by beating Los Angeles FC 1-0, proving they are ready for the world stage.
The FIFA Club World Cup came to Geodis Park in Nashville for the first time ever, with 13,651 fans in the stands. This Group D match saw LAFC take on ES Tunis in a must-win game for both teams.
The first half saw few chances. LAFC thought they had scored twice, but both goals were ruled out for offside.
In the 70th minute, ES Tunis finally broke through. Amine Ben Hamida took a shot that bounced off the LAFC defence, and Youcef Belaïli was ready. He hit the ball into the net from the corner of the 6-yard box, putting ES Tunis 1-0 ahead.
LAFC had one last chance to equalise in the 98th minute. Igor Jesus was fouled in the box, and they were given a penalty. Denis Bouanga stepped up to take it – but ES Tunis goalkeeper Ben Said made a great save to keep his team in front.
“Thank God we gave everything we had,” said Ben Said. “We played really well.”
LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said, “You could see the disappointment on our players’ faces – and probably on mine, too. Missing a late penalty is always tough. But to be fair, ES Tunis had more chances in the second half and maybe deserved the win.”
Both teams had lost their first group games. LAFC lost 2-0 to Chelsea, and ES Tunis lost 2-0 to Flamengo. With Flamengo now on six points and Chelsea on three, this win puts ES Tunis level with Chelsea, keeping their hopes alive to move past the group stage.
