With nothing to lose as the Group G basement dwellers, Tunisia and Panana put on a grand show of attacking football, with Tunisia coming from behind to win 2-1.
Both sides showed a high level of commitment with play moving from end to end but few shots emerging.
That changed in the 35th minute through a slice of luck after Aymen Mathlouthi in the Tunisia goals spilled a free-kick and Panama slid it to the edge of the penalty area where Rodriguez smashed a drive that deflected off Yassine Meriah for an unlucky own goal (1-0).
Panama’s equaliser, when it came, was a beauty: Sliti to Khazri and a square pass to Ben Youssef, who stayed onside and executed the finish for 1-1.
But with Tunisia having nearly 70 percent of the possession, their winner had to come and it duly did, courtesy of captain Wahbi Khazri in the 64th minute.
A highly entertaining final show from two sides that would not have been expected to get beyond the group stage.
We may not see both countries back on the World Cup stage for many years.
