Jump directly to the content

EUROPEAN champions Portugal threw away a two-goal lead to draw with England’s World Cup opponents Tunisia.

Minus Cristiano Ronaldo after his Champions League heroics with Real Madrid 48 hours previous, the hosts raced into a commanding lead.

 Fakhredine Ben Youssef celebrates after securing an impressive fightback by Tunisia in Portugal
3
Fakhredine Ben Youssef celebrates after securing an impressive fightback by Tunisia in PortugalCredit: AP:Associated Press

Andre Silva broke the deadlock with a back post header just before the midway point of the first half.

Twelve minutes later that advantage was doubled in stunning fashion as Joao Mario drilled home from 20 yards.

But Tunisia, who face the Three Lions in Volgograd on Monday 18 June, got themselves back into it before the break.

Anice Badri pulled one back in the 39th-minute and it got even better after the hour mark.

 Portugal’s Bernardo Silva shows his frustration after the Euro champions threw away a two-goal lead
3
Portugal’s Bernardo Silva shows his frustration after the Euro champions threw away a two-goal leadCredit: EPA
 Fakhredine Ben Youssef slid home to level for England's World Cup opponents
3
Fakhredine Ben Youssef slid home to level for England's World Cup opponentsCredit: AP:Associated Press

Fakhreddine Ben Youssef was the hero for the African nation as he completed his side’s fightback by sliding in to finish Ali Maaloul's low cross to equalise.

Portugal play another North African side, Morocco, in Group B at the World Cup.

Gary Cahill says new England captain Harry Kane’s appointment is not a surprise ahead of World Cup warm-up with Nigeria


'THIS IS COOL' Jurgen Klopp completes first summer signing for Liverpool


Their first match is against Spain on Friday 15 June and they finish their group fixtures against Iran.

England and Tunisia were also drawn with Panama and Belgium in Group G.

Topics