The Netherlands sealed top spot in Group F with a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday, setting up a last-32 clash against Morocco FIFA World Cup.Ronald Koeman’s side finished ahead of Japan, who were held to a draw by Sweden earlier in the day. The result meant the Dutch progressed as group winners, while Japan will face tournament favorites Brazil in the knockout stages.Holland got off to the perfect start in rainy conditions at Kansas City Stadium, taking the lead within two minutes. Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri accidentally turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net as he tried to prevent Brian Brobbey from getting on the end.Five minutes later, Brobbey doubled the lead with a close-range finish after Virgil van Dijk’s free-kick went into the back of the goal. It was the striker’s third goal of the tournament.The first blitz also created history, with the Netherlands scoring twice in the first seven minutes of a World Cup match for the first time.Tunisia, who had already been eliminated after losing their first two games and changing coaches during the tournament, struggled to respond. Ismael Gharbi had an early chance before the Dutch took control but failed to hit the target.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 lead almost immediately. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke scored his first international goal, with his header from Tijjani Reijnders’ corner taking a slight deflection off Anis Slimane before finishing in the net.The result ended an impressive group stage campaign for the Netherlands, who now head into the knockout rounds full of confidence.Their attention now turns to the meeting on Monday 32 with Morocco, while Tunisia leaves the tournament without adding to their solitary point.
