Football
KweséESPN Reporter 6y

Tunisia's Mouez Hassen offers heartfelt thanks to Maaloul

Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen has taken to social media to pay tribute to his coach Nabil Maaloul after injury prematurely ended the stopper's World Cup.

Hassen was a surprise pick to start the Carthage Eagles' opener against England, but lasted just 16 minutes before being replaced after picking up a shoulder injury.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the stopper's tournament was over, although the goalkeeper has taken to Twitter to thank Maaloul for allowing him to realise a lifelong dream.

"Coach, thank you to you to have allowed me to realise a dream for any footballer, which is to play in the most beautiful competition with the national team," he wrote on his @hassen_mouez handle.

"Without you, [Tunisia] would never have arrived at this stage of the competition," he added. "A big thank you, Nabil Maaloul."

Hassen's injury occurred when he collided with England's Jesse Lingard.

He was replaced by Farouk Ben Mustapha, rather than nominal No. 1 Aymen Mathlouthi, as the Eagles were defeated 2-1.

French-born Hassen switched his international allegiance to Tunisia earlier this year and made his international debut in March. He had previously played for France at U-21 level.

The North Africans continue their World Cup campaign against Belgium in Moscow on Saturday.

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