Netherlands cruise into last 32 with 3-1 win over Tunisia

Michael Bolton

The Netherlands finished the World Cup group stage on top of Group F as they chalked up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City.

The Dutch started at a red-hot pace, taking just seven minutes to establish a 2-0 lead.

Ronald Koeman’s side went ahead in the third minute courtesy of an Ellyes Skhiri own goal, after he lashed out at a cross and inadvertently tipped the ball into the back of his own net.

Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage minutes later, turning home Virgil van Dijk’s headed knockdown from a free-kick.

The Netherlands looked comfortable holding onto their advantage, but were snapped awake early in the second half when a Tunisia corner found Hazem Mastouri, who duly headed it into the bottom-left corner.

The response from the Dutch was almost immediate, Jan Paul van Hecke restoring their advantage with a headed corner of his own.

Tunisia had some sporadic chances from there, but were ultimately unable to trouble the scoreline any further as they headed out without a point and the Dutch cruised into the last 32.

Dutch coach Ronald Koeman declared himself “happy”, saying: “I wanted first place in the group, and we finished that way.

“I think it had to do with the fact that we went 2-0 up very quickly. That can be a problem against a stronger opponent and Morocco are an attacking team.”

Tunisia coach Herve Renard said: “We were not at the level for this World Cup, this is clear, there is no discussion.

“It’s a big tournament with very good teams, especially in this group, it was a very tough group.”