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06/16 23:06 CDT Tunisia's Herv Renard embraces challenge against Japan in
World Cup debut
Tunisia's Herv Renard embraces challenge against Japan in World Cup debut
By MAYA KOLUDER-RAMIREZ and ETHAN WILCOX
Associated Press
MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) --- New Tunisia head coach Herv Renard held his first
practice with the squad on Tuesday, shortly after replacing Sabri Lamouchi, who
was fired after the team's 5-1 thumping to Sweden.
The 57-year-old Frenchman had four days to get the team prepared for its second
Group F game against Japan on Saturday.
"At the moment we need to be focused on ourselves," Renard told reporters at
the team's training ground just hours after flying into Monterrey. "We still
have a few days to be ready."
Renard led Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Green Falcons
earned a shocking 2-1 victory over favorite and eventual champion Argentina. In
the 2018 tournament, his Moroccan side earned a draw against Spain but failed
to reach the knockout stage.
Renard said he was eager to experience the trill of the tournament again.
"It's a World Cup," he said. "I know the passion around this event. That's what
motivated me to come and it's a challenge which isn't easy."
It's not the first time Renard has replaced Lamouchi. The two-time Africa Cup
of Nations winner succeeded his French counterpart in 2014 as head coach of
Ivory Coast following its group stage exit at the World Cup.
It would be a tough ask for Renard to guide Tunisia out of the group stage for
the first time in seven World Cup appearances. After their loss to Sweden on
Sunday, the Eagles of Carthage need results against Japan and group favorites
Netherlands if they are to advance.
"I've told them they have to keep their heads up, you're here to represent your
country," Renard said.
___
Maya Koluder-Ramirez and Ethan Wilcox are students in the University of
Georgia's Carmical Sports Media Institute.
