World Cup 2022: Tunisia survive late VAR penalty check in World Cup stalemate against Denmark

Tunisia survived a stoppage-time VAR penalty check to draw 0-0 with Denmark – the first goalless stalemate of the 2022 World Cup.

It looked as if it would be heartbreak for Tunisia when Mexican referee Cesar Ramos went to the pitchside monitor at the Education City Stadium.

Christian Eriksen's corner struck the arm of Yassine Meriah, but the ball had come off the chest of the Tunisia defender and referee Ramos stuck with his on-field decision.

Eriksen made a fairytale World Cup start with the Manchester United midfielder back at a major tournament 16 months after collapsing from a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

Denmark reached the semi-finals of that tournament without their talisman, and head coach Kasper Hjulmand said on Monday that his side had come to Qatar to win the World Cup.

But, for much of an absorbing contest, Denmark – ranked 10th in the world and 20 places above Tunisia – were knocked out of their stride by opponents with a point to prove.

This is Tunisia’s fifth appearance at a World Cup and the Carthage Eagles have never gone beyond the group stage.

Tunisia could count on huge support with Doha home to a large Tunisian population and the north Africans created a raucous atmosphere, giving the feeling that this was an away game for Denmark.

The Danes’ first objective was to silence the Tunisian fans and escape the shackles placed on their midfield trio Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Thomas Delaney.

Mohamed Drager gave the first sign of Tunisia’s intent with a deflected shot that flew just wide with Kasper Schmeichel rooted to the spot.

Skipper Youssef Msakni headed over the resulting corner and Tunisia continued to press with the lively Issam Jebali a constant concern for the Denmark defence.

Jebali had the ball in