The Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City on Thursday to finish top of Group F and avoid a World Cup last-32 meeting with Brazil. Ronald Koeman’s side built an early lead through an own goal from Ellyes Skhiri and a strike from Brian Brobbey before Jan Paul van Hecke sealed victory after Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback.
The Dutch removed any tension from the match inside seven minutes. Tunisia struggled badly with crosses and set pieces, and the Netherlands punished them quickly.
The opening goal arrived after Denzel Dumfries sent a dangerous ball into the area. Skhiri tried to clear under pressure but sliced the ball into his own net.
Four minutes later the Dutch struck again. Tijjani Reijnders delivered a free kick into the box and Virgil van Dijk headed the ball back across goal. Brian Brobbey reacted first and smashed home from close range for his third goal of the tournament.
Tunisia looked rattled after the second goal and spent long periods chasing the game. Ronald Koeman’s side controlled possession and slowed the tempo while their supporters filled Arrowhead Stadium with noise and waves of orange shirts.
The North Africans found a route back into the match early in the second half. Hannibal Mejbri swung a corner into the area and Hazem Mastouri rose to head home in the 54th minute.
Any concern inside the Dutch camp disappeared soon afterwards. Reijnders delivered another dangerous set piece and Jan Paul van Hecke met the ball with a header that found the net through a deflection.
Tunisia’s campaign ended with three defeats and 12 goals conceded across three matches. Hervé Renard, appointed after Sabri Lamouchi left the role, could not stop the decline.
The Netherlands finish on seven points and now face Morocco in Monterrey. Japan took second place in Group F, while Sweden also progressed as one of the best third-placed sides.
