Tunisia sack coach Sabri Lamouchi after heavy World Cup defeat

Tunisia head coach Sabri Lamouchi (AP Photo)

Tunisia have become the first team to make a managerial change at the FIFA World Cup after dismissing head coach Sabri Lamouchi following the team's crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match. The Tunisian Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that experienced French coach Hervé Renard would take over the reins as the North African side attempts to rescue its campaign and keep alive hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Lamouchi's exit makes him the first managerial casualty of the ongoing tournament. The 54-year-old had been in charge only since January and oversaw just five matches before being shown the door.

Heavy Sweden defeat proves costly

Tunisia endured one of the darkest results in their recent history when Sweden ran riot on Sunday. Yasin Ayari struck twice, while Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg also got on the scoresheet as the Scandinavians exposed Tunisia's fragile defence. Omar Rekik's strike before half-time proved little more than a consolation. According to reports, dressing room tensions also contributed to Lamouchi's dismissal, with the Tunisian federation acting swiftly after the embarrassing defeat. The former France international had previously coached Ivory Coast at the 2014 World Cup, but his second appearance at football's showpiece ended almost as soon as it began. Tunisia now face must-win clashes against Japan and the Netherlands if they are to avoid another group-stage exit.

File Pic: Herve Renard (AP Photo)

Renard returns to FIFA World Cup spotlight

In a bid to revive their campaign, Tunisia have turned to one of international football's most seasoned managers. Renard boasts an impressive résumé, having guided both Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations titles. He also led Morocco at the 2018 World Cup and masterminded Saudi Arabia's famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 tournament. The Frenchman most recently had a second spell with Saudi Arabia and also managed the France women's national side. This is not the first time Tunisia have changed managers during a World Cup. In 1998, Henryk Kasperczak was dismissed after defeats to England and Colombia ended the country's hopes of progressing. Tunisia are appearing in their seventh World Cup but remain one of the few regular participants yet to advance beyond the group stage. With Japan and the Netherlands looming, Renard faces an immediate challenge as he attempts to prevent Tunisia's latest World Cup campaign from unraveling completely.