The Netherlands sealed top spot in Group F with a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday, setting up a 32-match tie against Morocco in the tournament. FIFA World Cup.Ronald Koeman’s team finished ahead of Japan, who were drawn by Sweden earlier in the day. The result meant the Dutch progressed as group winners, while Japan will face their favorites Brazil in the knockout stages.The Netherlands got off to a good start in a rain-soaked Kansas City Stadium, taking the lead after less than two minutes. Tunisian captain Ellyes Skhiri accidentally turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net as he tried to stop Brian Brobbey from reaching his own end.Five minutes later, Brobbey extended the lead with a close-range finish after Virgil van Dijk controlled a free-kick behind the goal. It was the striker’s third goal of the tournament.The early blitz also made history, as the Netherlands scored twice within the first seven minutes of a World Cup match for the first time.Tunisia, already eliminated after losing their first two matches and changing coaches during the match, failed to respond. Ismael Gharbi had an early chance before the Dutch took control, but failed to score.The African side found hope midway through the second half when Hazem Mastouri headed home from Hannibal Mejbri’s corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.However, the Dutch restored their two-goal advantage immediately. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke scored his first international goal, his header from Tijjani Reijnders’ corner deflecting off Anis Slimane before hitting the net.The result capped off an impressive campaign for the Netherlands, who now enter the knockout stages with confidence.Their attention now turns to Monday’s match of 32 against Morocco, where Tunisia exited the tournament without adding their own place.
