World Cup 2026: Netherlands see off Tunisia in 3-1 victory to top Group F

The Dutch side produced a dominant display for long periods of the contest and confirmed their place in the Round of 32 with seven points, finishing two points ahead of second-placed Japan.

Tunisia, already eliminated before kickoff, showed moments of resistance but struggled to recover after conceding twice inside the opening seven minutes.

The Netherlands made a dream start to the match and took the lead in unfortunate fashion for Tunisia.

In the third minute, Ellyes Skhiri accidentally diverted the ball into his own net after a chaotic moment inside the penalty area, handing the Dutch an early advantage.

Just four minutes later, Virgil van Dijk delivered a superb pass into the box for Brian Brobbey, who finished first time with precision into the right side of the net to make it 2-0.

The quick double forced Tunisia onto the back foot and allowed the Netherlands to dictate the pace of the game.

Tunisia emerged from halftime with renewed intensity and managed to reduce the deficit in the 54th minute.

Hazem Mastouri rose highest inside the six-yard area to meet a corner kick and powered a header into the bottom left corner, giving Tunisia hope at 2-1.

VAR briefly checked the goal before referee Katia Itzel Garcia Mendoza confirmed it would stand.

Any hopes of a Tunisia comeback were quickly halted as the Netherlands restored their two-goal advantage eight minutes later.

Jan Paul van Hecke climbed above the defence to meet a well-delivered corner and guided a strong header into the top right corner to make it 3-1.

Tunisia continued searching for another goal and believed they should have been awarded a penalty in the 76th minute.

Elias Achouri burst into the penalty area and went down following a challenge from a Netherlands defender, but the referee waved away the appeals and signalled for play to continue.

It proved to be Tunisia’s final major opportunity as the Dutch comfortably managed the remainder of the game.

The victory ensured the Netherlands finished top of Group F with seven points and progressed to the Round of 32 as group winners.

Japan finished second with five points, while Sweden ended third on four points and must now wait to discover whether they will qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet