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Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul blames forced substitutions for defeat to Belgium

The Tunisian has bemoaned two first half injury-inspired substitutions and Belgium’s third goal for deflating his side in Saturday’s 5-2 loss

Captain Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku grabbed a brace each before substitute Michy Batshuayi struck Belgium’s fifth goal in Moscow to seal Tunisia’s early World Cup exit.

Having lost 2-1 to England in their Group G opening match, Tunisia arrived at the Otkrytiye Arena with hopes of a win to recover and progress to the last 16 round.

But Maaloul was compelled to alter his defence when right back Dylan Bronn and center back Syam Ben Youssef were forced off injured in the 24th and 41st minutes respectively.