AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Arab groups are making an affect on the first World Cup within the Center East.Tunisia held European Championship semifinalist Denmark to a 0-0 draw Tuesday, three hours after Saudi Arabia beat Argentina in a surprising upset.“It’s superb what (Saudi Arabia) did,” Tunisia defender Montassar Talbi mentioned. “We watched a little bit of the sport within the dressing room. We noticed the outcomes. It gave us perhaps a bit energy. We’re happy with them. For the Arab international locations, too.”Earlier than a stadium stuffed virtually fully with Tunisia’s red-clad supporters, midfielder Aïssa Laïdouni set the tone within the very first minute when he stripped emblematic Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen of the ball with an aggressive sliding sort out — then stood up and pumped his arms menacingly, gesturing to the group to get much more fired up.“I’m at all times proud to symbolize Tunisia and we at all times go on the pitch 100% dedicated,” Laïdouni mentioned by way of a translator.Tunisia probably deserved extra however an skilled save shortly earlier than halftime by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel helped Denmark protect the draw.Having already gone all the way down to the grass after Tunisia broke by way of the protection, Schmeichel caught his hand as much as deflect a shot from Issam Jebali, who performs his membership ball in Denmark for Odense.It was simply the type of save that the keeper’s father, former Manchester United nice Peter Schmeichel, used to tug off.“We didn’t come to get a draw. We needed to get the win, and I believe we did have possibilities for that, however on the finish of the day we’re pleased with the draw,” Laïdouni mentioned.The match marked Eriksen’s return to a significant match lower than a yr and a half after his cardiac arrest with Denmark at Euro 2020.Assuming his customary playmaker place, Eriksen produced a harmful long-distance shot on purpose within the second half that Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen needed to bat away.And on the following nook, Denmark hit the put up.Tunisia additionally survived the prospect of a last-minute penalty for Denmark however the referee dominated to play on after a video evaluate for a attainable handball.Denmark has been one of the crucial outspoken critics of the match in Qatar and throughout the pre-match warmup its gamers wore all black long-sleeve shirts over their purple recreation jerseys to mourn migrant staff who died constructing infrastructure for soccer’s greatest occasion.Denmark was additionally planning on carrying the “One Love” anti-discrimination armband together with different European groups earlier than the marketing campaign was dropped when FIFA threatened handy out yellow playing cards.Nonetheless, former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who’s now chair of the Danish soccer federation’s governance and growth committee, was on the stadium carrying a coat with some delicate rainbow coloring.Denmark has lofty objectives following its efficiency eventually yr’s Euro 2020 and a near-perfect qualifying marketing campaign, whereas Tunisia is looking for to advance from the group stage for the primary time in its sixth World Cup look.After an absence of ambiance at a number of of the opening matches, the massive variety of Tunisian followers inside Training Metropolis Stadium made it really feel like a house match for the North African staff. Tunisia followers chanted, banged drums and blew air horns when their squad had the ball — then hissed and whistled loudly at any time when Denmark had possession.Many spectators waving Palestinian flags additionally supported Tunisia.Ultimately, each groups produced 13 pictures.PROTEST DISTRACTIONS Whereas saying it “just isn’t an excuse,” Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand mentioned that discovering methods to protest in opposition to Qatar has been a distraction.“I (spend) an excessive amount of time day by day attempting to determine easy methods to deal with this,” he mentioned. “There are too many issues I need to determine easy methods to say. I’m combating with that, I need to say.“I’m solely speaking for myself after I say I discover the state of affairs tough proper now.”CROWD SUPPORTTunisia just isn’t recognized for its attacking prowess however coach Jalel Kadri mentioned the massive crowd assist helped his staff elevate its tempo.“It lifted our spirits,” Kadri mentioned. “Mentally it offers us an excellent carry. It actually helped us. However tactically and bodily we additionally performed very properly.”NEXTTunisia will subsequent play Australia on Saturday in Group D and Denmark will meet defending champion France on the identical day.______Andrew Dampf is at https://twitter.com/AndrewDampf