Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to top Group F, set up Morocco clash

The Netherlands clinched top spot in Group F and set up a Round of 32 meeting with Morocco in Monterrey on 29 June as they overcame Tunisia 3-1 at Kansas City Stadium. Ronald Koeman’s men needed just three minutes to break the deadlock against their already-eliminated opponents, with captain Ellyes Skhiri slicing into his own net from Denzel Dumfries’ cross as he looked to prevent the ball reaching Brian Brobbey.

Early Dutch dominance

It was 2-0 soon after, with Brobbey bagging his third goal of the tournament from close range after Virgil van Dijk headed a free-kick back across the face of goal. The Eagles of Carthage, who have endured a challenging tournament after heavy defeats to Sweden and Japan, had come close to scoring in the opening moments, only for Ismael Gharbi to side-foot over when well placed.

From then on, Herve Renard’s side were largely on the back foot and they came close to conceding a third early on during a rain-soaked second half with Skhiri blocking well to prevent Dumfries’ powerful effort from troubling Aymen Dahmen.

Tunisia fight back but Netherlands respond

Tunisia pulled themselves back into the contest when Hazem Mastouri was given too much freedom in the penalty area to head home Hannibal Mejbri’s corner in the 54th minute. However, the Dutch responded immediately through Jan Paul van Hecke as he glanced home Tijjani Reijnders’ delivery in the 62nd minute.

This was the first time in their 58 World Cup matches that the Netherlands have scored two goals in the opening seven minutes of a game. The victory means the Netherlands finish top of Group F with seven points, while Tunisia depart the World Cup without a point.