For part 16 of the series, I caught up with Bessam Ammar (who is currently blogging at the Tunisia World Cup Blog). Bessam is an American–Tunisian. Most of his family resides in Tunisia and he has visited the country on several occasions for extended periods of time. He is an avid football supporter and became hooked on the world cup starting with Italia 1990. He used to watch the matches and then play football outside during halftime back then in the wonder years. Nothing would bring him more joy then the underdog nation Tunisia, lifting the cup, Bessam says.

I thank Bessam for agreeing to the interview.

Tell us a bit about the Tunisian football history and the football culture which exists.

History: The Tunisian National Team nickname is the Carthage Eagles. Tunisia has qualified for 4 World Cups including the last 3. Our first World Cup, however, in 1978 was the most successful. Tunisia defeated Mexico 3-1 and held defending champs West Germany to a 0-0 draw. Somehow they didn’t make it to the 2nd round. Tunisia has also recently won the African Nations cup for the first time in 2004. You might call this the golden age of Tunisian football because there has been a prolonged period of general success. Club football in Tunisia has been around for about 75 years. The Fédération Tunisienne de Football is the body that has been governing Tunisian football since 1956. Club football is a vibrant part of Tunisia and we have many youth that aspire to play for their favorite club.

Culture: In Tunisia, there are intense rivalries. People usually pick a team and stick with them rain or shine. We have some major clubs like Esperance, Etoile Sahel, and Sfaxien, which always go very far in the African Champions league and these clubs have some die hard supporters. Supporters are always singing clever songs and chants about their club much like you hear in the premiership. After a big game, as the winning team supporters leave the stadium, they will literally stop traffic with their celebrations, and flag waving. Any time the National team plays, everyone will gather around the Television or go watch with friends at a café. When Tunisia scores the whole nation cheers as one.

Tell us a bit about the Road to the World Cup – the qualification, and the emotions the fans went through at the time.

Tunisian qualification was not as easy as 2002. Tunisia suffered an early loss and was at one point 4th in the qualifying group. However from then on Tunisia picked up the pace and finished with six wins, three draws and just one loss. The last qualification game was against a Moroccan side that had not been defeated in qualifying but had more draws then Tunisia. Tunisia needed a draw to go to the World cup and were down 2-1 in the send half . An own goal by Morocco gave the Tunisians the draw they needed. Tunisia had been chasing the first place Moroccan side all through qualifications and they are one of our biggest rivals in Africa and the Moroccans wanted revenge for their defeat in the Final of the African Nations cup in 2004. We are very fortunate for that own goal in the 2nd half by Morocco .

What style of football does the national team play?

The National Team has been known to play both Offensive and Defensive styles depending on the opposition. The National team during qualification has been playing an offensive style and can really put up a lot of goals when they play most of the other African teams, I have seen them put up 7 goals quite recently. However, when we play more dangerous teams such as Nigeria in the African Nations Cup, or Germany in the Confederations cup, whether it be by design or otherwise the team makes sure people stay back and play defense. I feel the best Defense is a good Offense, if you at least score you put the other team under more pressure. I will say however, if we play an Offensive style we will win more games in the world cup then if we play Defensive.

Lets take the Confederations cup 2005 for example: In the 2nd match against Germany we played great defense for 76 minutes, then Germany let in 3 goals at the end. In the last game against Australia when there was no pressure Coach Lemerre tried a new offensive formation and Tunisia won 2-0.

How do you think Tunisia will fare at the world cup?

We truly can do better then anyone thinks. Several factors work in Tunisias favor.

1. Better players and coacing: Ever since Roger Lemerre took over as coach, Tunisia has really become a much tougher team to beat. Shortly after taking he took over, Tunisia won the African Nations Cup 2004 for the first time in History. Since then the National Team has gained experience against strong teams like Argentina, Germany, and Italy. The team also worked under great pressure to qualify for this world cup over an undefeated Moroccan side. We have more players playing in big sides in Europe. Namouchi, Jaidi, Trabelsi, Dos Santos, Nafti, Haggui, Jemmali etc. Also we have a coach who looks for talent everywhere, If you are a good player and elegible to join the Tunisian team and have Tunisian heritage he will find you whether it be in Tunisia or in Europe.

2. Schedule: Tunisias first match is against Saudia Arabia, which is the easiest team of the group. That means that if we take that victory we can be at the top of the group especially if Spain and Ukraine finish as a draw. With the first win in hand that will undeniably bring about confidence and all Tunisians will know that a point or 2 from the remaining matches opens the door to quarterfinals. That will make Tunisia an even tougher team for Spain or Ukraine to handle because Tunisia will see the light at the end of the Tunnel. (If we would have drawn Spain first things might have played out a little differently)

3. Fans: Unlike Korea and Japan 2002, I know for sure there will be many more Tunisian fans in Germany.

Who will be the most important player for your country?

Dos Santos. If Dos Santos scores goals this is an indication of 3 things.

1. We are playing a offensive style and are taking advantage of our opportunities in front of goal.

2. Our midfielders are winning the battle in the center of field and providing good passes and opportunities to score.

3. Our defense is not constantly under pressure to hold the other team.

Which player in your country’s side would you most like to get rid of?

Any player who is not fearless. Any player who will give up after being down a goal or two, Any player who constantly back passes the ball back to the goal instead of pusses forward. Any player who dives constantly. Any player who does not believe in the teams ability to defeat any other team.

Who are the players to watch from the other countries?

Drogba, Toure, Ebouie – Ivory Coast – this team will shock people

Carlos Teves – Argentina- saw him in the Olympics, Talent that is simply incredible, he is a magician with the ball

Thierry Henry – Simply stunning, classy, confident, a true winner

What will be your excuse in the event of failure?

No excuses.

Have you got the right manager?

Definitely have the right manager: He has been there for several years. Team has had great success as mentioned above since he has joined. He was even an assistant manager when France wont he world cup in ‘98.

What advice would you give him?

Motivate the players to play fearlessly and play an attacking style of football.

Which team do you most want to beat?

Spain: So people can stop putting Tunisia on the bottom of every prediction.

Which opposition player will get the most stick?

Perhaps Shevchenko of Ukraine. He is extremely dangerous.

Where will you watch the matches?

I will be watching at home taking close notes so I can report about the matches on the worldcupblog.

How keenly will the World Cup be followed in your country?

The world cup will be followed very closely. There will be widespread celebrations on every street corner. Win or loose However, Tunisians will always support the team.

Who will be the player of the tournament?

A striker. Not sure who.

Who will win the Golden Boot?

Perhaps Ronaldinho.

Which team will disappoint the most?

One of the teams from the Group of death will disappoint the most because all 4 are good enough to qualify but surely 2 of them will not.

Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?

The Ivory Coast is going to stun people. They are Strong, They are Physical, They are fast. They can score. They can defend. They have many experienced players in Europe. They recently lost in by Penalties in the African Nations Cup final. They are truly like a Perfect Strom that has formed at just the right time on the eve of the World Cup finals. They do play in the Group of Death which Includes Argentina, Holland, and Serbia and Montenegro. However the results I think they will manage against these teams will stun people. Combine that with the fact that the other teams will inflict damage on one another and you may have Ivory Coast advancing beyond the group stage. If they do they can keep winning and winning. They could be the Senegal we all know and love from the 2002 world cup or the Cameroon from Italia 90.

Finally, Who will win the World Cup?

Argentina, There is enough talent in that squad to make 2 top caliber teams. They won the Olympics recently and every player they have is top notch.

***

I hope you enjoyed part 16. Follow up questions for Bessam can be e-mailed to me. Also, feel free to contact me if you would like to be interviewed or know a friend who would like/could be interviewed. Specific questions for specific countries which might pop in your mind in due course may also be sent.

For the rest of the interviews, check out the World Cup interview series page.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 16th, 2006 at 4:08 pm and is filed under Football. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.