Over 2900km away from the Côte d’Azur, we find Bassem Srarfi preparing to fulfill his “childhood dream”. Alongside Mouez Hassen, who wasn’t even a one year old when the two teams last played at the World Cup (2-0 on 17 June 1998), they will face England on Monday, in front of millions of viewers.

Arriving in January 2017, the young forward came to maturity the following summer, after six months of adapting. Firstly, by tasting Europe. Then by picking up appearances in Ligue 1, at the heart of a well considered squad. “The coach is aware that I’m playing in a big team, he explained to us before joining the National team. Alongside Balotelli, Plea, Saint-Maximin, opportunities are few and far between. But he was satisfied with my performances.” Called upon on 16 occasions to come on off the bench in the league, the former Club Africain man was Lucien Favre’s preferred ‘joker’ this season. Confidence which was repaid during the memorable Toulouse - Nice (1-2), which gave the young Tunisian a chance to earn his wings: “It was an important moment. Of course, people’s view of you changes once you have been decisive.”

“Football crazy“

Before arriving here, Bassem worked. A lot and differently. By also concentrating on the “invisible preparation” with his former coach at Stade Tunisien, who played the role of tutor to the youngster who lives, eats and sleeps football. “I am football crazy, I watch every match. Everything fell into place for the performance. I progressively felt the results on the pitch” the youngster smiled, who has “picked up a lot of experience from Dante, Mario (Balotelli), and the others... To train alongside players like that everyday, it’s ideal to progress. Along with the coach, they helped me a lot.” 

“Like every player, I would have liked more game time. But my records are satisfactory. I am now adapted to French football” explained the man who has now been adopted by the people of Nice. “When I see all of these supporters chant my name, like in the last game at home against Caen, it’s huge, because I am still young.” 

The youngest of the Tunisian squad

#CM2018 #TUN

Bassem #Srarfi #LePetitProdige pic.twitter.com/kOzuuNo9vl

— Les Aigles de Carthage (@LADC_Officiel) 14 juin 2018

Convinced by the progress made by the Niçois, Nabil Maaloul decided to make him the youngest member of his squad, at just 20 years old. “A huge source of pride”, ahead of the challenge that awaits his side, who will take on the Three Lions, Belgium and Panama in Group G. “Against teams like this, we aren’t favourites, that’s for sure. But our strength lives in our spirit.  We are a very united squad. This cohesion can allow us to bring down mountains.” The first summit will take place on Monday at 8pm.

F.H.

---