Tunisia

Tunisia are out, and this was about as hard a group stage as they could have had.

It started badly and never recovered, a 1-5 loss to Sweden in a game full of defensive errors.

Then it got even tougher, a 0-4 loss to Japan where they could not lay a glove on a sharp, organized side.

The last game brought a 1-3 defeat to group winners the Netherlands, with only a late goal to show for it.

Add it up and they conceded 12 goals across 3 games, which is no way to survive a World Cup group.

That is the cruel part, because on a good day this is a disciplined side that makes life ugly for bigger teams.

This time the defense never settled, and their long weak spot, scoring goals, was exposed too.

Their leader is captain Ellyes Skhiri, with Hannibal Mejbri adding energy and bite in midfield.

After 7 World Cups and still no trip past the group stage, the mood is flat disappointment, and the long wait goes on.