DOHA: Highly-confident Denmark were disappointed on being held to a 0-0 draw by Tunisia in their World Cup Group D opener in an away-day ambience at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

The Danes fielded their usual host of Premier League players including Christian Eriksen, achieving his ambition of World Cup finals football after having suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 only last year.

The Manchester United playmaker rarely escaped close Tunisian attention though he did force a fine save from keeper Aymen Dahmen in the second half.

Both sides had goals ruled out for offside, while Denmark’s Andreas Cornelius missed an open goal from close range. In the fifth minute of second half stoppage time referee Cesar Ramos checked the pitchside monitor over a Denmark penalty claim for handball against Yassine Merriah but without changing his mind.

Earlier Ramos refused penalty claim at the other end against Andreas Christensen.

Tunisia, perhaps inspired by Saudi Arabia’s stunning win over Argentina and a vociferous crowd acclaiming every tackle, made life uncomfortable for the Danes but lacked consistent attacking penetration.

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