Having qualified for the finals for the first time since 2006, Tunisia face a tough test in Russia, where they compete against England, Belgium and Panama in Group G.
“The first objective is to get through the first round as it would be amazing for our country. To have a good World Cup with all my team-mates will be a good thing,” Leicester City centre-back Benalouane told the club’s website.
“For me, it was a big emotion (to play for Tunisia), because to go on the pitch with the shirt of your country, it’s always something special.
Benalouane, 31, could face his Leicester team-mates Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy along with several other Premier League rivals when Tunisia kick off their World Cup campaign against England on Monday, June 18.
“Obviously, it will be a good game and it’s always a pleasure to meet other people from my team in the World Cup. It will be a big challenge for us,” he added.
“Vards (Vardy) is always difficult because he is an electric man. He is a very good striker, he has top quality, he scores a lot.
“We have to be focused because we know his quality. I hope, for him, that he has a good World Cup, but not against Tunisia.”
TunisianMonitorOnline (Reuters)
