Netherlands top Group F with 3-1 win over Tunisia

The Dutch claimed top spot in World Cup Group F by defeating Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City. Ronald Koeman’s side controlled the match from the outset, leaving Tunisia eliminated from the tournament without a single point.

The Dutch needed only to match Japan’s result in the group’s other match to guarantee first place, a task made easier when Japan and Sweden drew 1-1. In Kansas City, an early own goal from Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri put the Netherlands ahead in the third minute. It was the 12th own goal of the tournament, tying the record for the most in World Cup history.

Brian Brobbey doubled the lead four minutes later, tapping in his third goal of the competition. Tunisia had actually started brighter, with Gharbi missing a clear chance to open the scoring in the second minute. The North African side continued to threaten, forcing a close-range save from Bart Verbruggen off a Ben Slimane header in the 13th minute.

Tunisia found a response early in the second half when Hazem Mastouri scored on his World Cup debut in the 53rd minute. That goal came just after Skhiri made an unbelievable block on the line to deny Dumfries. However, the Dutch reaction was immediate, with Jan Paul van Hecke restoring the two-goal cushion with a header just after the hour mark.

Reijnders then hit the bar with a delicate chip in the 66th minute as Koeman's side pushed for more goals. "In many ways, this was the result everyone expected. However, the manner of it was an interesting one," noted Sky Sports' Callum Bishop. He added that with 10 goals in three games, the Dutch would be frightening opposition in the knockout stages.

By finishing top of the group, the Netherlands will face Morocco, a semi-finalist from the 2022 tournament, in Guadalupe, Mexico on June 30. Sweden finished second following their draw with Japan and will play the Group I winner—most likely France or Norway—in New Jersey on the same day. Japan will face Brazil in Houston a day earlier.