The Netherlands sealed top spot in Group F with a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday, setting up a round of 16 clash against Morocco on FIFA World Cup.Ronald Koeman’s side finished ahead of Japan, who had played to a draw against 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.The Netherlands got off to the perfect start in rainy conditions at the Kansas City Stadium, taking the lead within two minutes. Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri accidentally deflected Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net as he tried to prevent Brian Brobbey getting on the end of it.Five minutes later, Brobbey doubled the lead with a close-range finish after Virgil van Dijk headed a free-kick over the bar. It was the attacker’s third goal in the tournament.The early strike also created history, with the Netherlands scoring twice within the first seven minutes of a World Cup match for the first time.Tunisia, already eliminated after losing their first two games and changing their coach during the tournament, had a hard time responding. 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 Hannibal Maybri’s corner to make it 2-1.But the Dutch regained the advantage of two goals almost immediately. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke scored his first international goal, heading in from Tijjani Reijnders’ corner and deflecting off Anis Slimane before finishing in the net.The result completed an impressive group stage for the Netherlands, who now head into the knockout rounds full of confidence.Their attention now turns to Monday’s Round of 32 meeting with Morocco, as Tunisia bow out of the tournament without picking up their solitary point.
