Tunisia 1 – 3 Netherlands

The Netherlands secured the top spot in Group F by beating Tunisia 3-1.

The Netherlands knew top spot would remain theirs until they matched Japan’s result against Sweden, and Ronald Koeman’s side secured top spot as the other Group F game ended 1-1.

A third minute own goal by Ellis Scherry – his 12th of the tournament and joint-most in World Cup history – followed four minutes later with Brian Broby’s third goal of the competition to put the Dutch in possession.

Hazem Mastouri responded with a goal on his World Cup debut early in the second half, but a Jan Paul van Heck header just after the hour mark sealed the points for the Netherlands.

Who will each Group F team face in the Round of 32?

Netherlands vs Morocco In Guadalupe, Mexico Tuesday 30 Junekick-off 2 o’clock.

Brazil vs Japan In Houston, Texas Monday 29 JuneAt kick off 6 p.m.

Sweden Anyone can face it Germany, Group I winners, Mexico, United States or Switzerland – The other third-place team depends on which.

However, their opponents are the most likely winners of Group I, which will be one France or Norway.

That round of 32 games will be held Tuesday 30 June New Jersey, New York, kick off 10 p.m.

Important moments in Kansas City…

• 2: Gharbi misses a huge chance to shock Tunisia’s opener

• 3: Goal! Skipper Sikhi returned the ball to his own net

• 7: Goal! Broby scored the third goal of the World Cup

• 13: Ben Slimane heads straight at Verbruggen from close range

• 51: Skhiri makes an incredible block on the line to deny Dumfries

• 53: Goal! Mastouri halved the deficit of debut in the World Cup

• 62: Goal! Van Hecke restored the two-goal cushion

• 66: Reijnders hits the bar with a fine chip

Analysis: Netherlands show they can go through the gears

Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop:

In many ways, this result was what everyone expected. However, its approach was an interesting one.

Although the Netherlands controlled the game throughout, they certainly didn’t have it all their own way. Tunisia came into play and had plenty of chances themselves. What was most impressive, though, was the way Ronald Koeman’s side responded to the warning.

Tunisia arguably should have been ahead during the third-minute opener. The Dutch also hit back in the second half after the loss and pressed for more goals.

Can they do so against tough opposition? The knockout phase will tell us. However, the way they went about their business, scoring 10 goals in three matches, would make them formidable opposition to many.

The match against Morocco will be one of the most interesting ties in the Round of 32. The question is, can they maintain their form against the semi-finalists from 2022?

What does the result mean?

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