Netherlands top Group F after 3-1 win over Tunisia
The Dutch finished on seven points and will play Morocco in the World Cup round of 32 after beating Tunisia in Kansas City.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
The Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City to win World Cup Group F and set up a round-of-32 match against Morocco, AFP reported. The result also spared Ronald Koeman’s side a knockout meeting with Brazil, according to AFP.
The Dutch ended group play with seven points, edging Japan for first place after Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden in Arlington, Texas, AFP reported. Sweden also advanced as one of the eight third-place teams to reach the next stage, according to AFP.
AFP reported that the match began on schedule despite earlier concern that a lightning storm in the US Midwest could cause major disruption. Wet conditions did not slow the Netherlands, who scored twice in the opening seven minutes and controlled much of the first half.
Early goals put Dutch in control
Tunisia had the first clear chance when Ismael Gharbi shot over from close range in the opening moments, AFP reported. The match turned soon after when Ellyes Skhiri diverted Denzel Dumfries’s cross into his own net in the third minute.
Four minutes later, Brian Brobbey made it 2-0 from close range, according to AFP. The move came after Virgil van Dijk headed the ball across goal from a Tijjani Reijnders free kick, and Brobbey scored his third goal of the tournament.
AFP reported that Tunisia looked in danger of conceding again but got to halftime without further damage. In the stands at Arrowhead Stadium, Dutch supporters were already doing Mexican waves midway through the first half, according to AFP.
Tunisia reply, then concede again
Tunisia cut the deficit in the 54th minute, AFP reported, when Hazem Mastouri headed in from Hannibal Mejbri’s corner. The goal briefly gave the North African side a route back into the game after a difficult first half.
The Netherlands restored their two-goal lead shortly after the hour mark, according to AFP. Jan Paul van Hecke met a Reijnders corner with a header that reached the net after a deflection.
AFP reported that the win confirmed the Netherlands’ place at the top of the group and sent them to Monterrey, where they will face Morocco on Monday. Japan’s draw with Sweden left Japan second in Group F.
Tunisia exited the tournament without a point after conceding 12 goals in three matches, AFP reported. The team had gone through qualifying without allowing a goal, according to AFP, but lost 5-1 to Sweden, 4-0 to Japan and 3-1 to the Netherlands at the World Cup.
AFP reported that Herve Renard, the veteran French coach, was hired last week after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following Tunisia’s opening defeat to Sweden. Renard could not stop Tunisia’s losing run before the group stage ended.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.