Netherlands closed out their group-stage campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City, claiming top spot in Group F and setting up a last-32 meeting with Morocco.
The Dutch dominated from the outset. Tunisia captain Elis Skhiri put the ball into his own net early to hand Netherlands the lead, and Bryan Brobbey doubled the advantage in the seventh minute — his third goal of the tournament — converting after a Virgil van Dijk header fell to him.
Tunisia threatened a comeback early in the second half. Hazem Massoudi pulled one back in the 54th minute from a corner to make it 2-1. The revival was short-lived, however: in the 62nd minute, a Jan Paul van Hecke header deflected off Anis Slimane for another own goal, restoring Netherlands’ two-goal cushion and settling the outcome.
Play was briefly suspended in the second half owing to heavy rain and lightning, though the Dutch maintained possession and composure after the resumption.
The result leaves Netherlands with seven points from three matches as group champions. Japan are runners-up on five points and will face five-time world champions Brazil in the knockout round. Sweden advance on four points as one of the best third-placed sides.
Tunisia exit the tournament without a win. A mid-tournament change of coach could not reverse their fortunes, and defeats in all three matches — including a heavy loss to Japan — brought their campaign to a disappointing end.
Netherlands head into the knockout stage on the back of successive wins and will face Morocco, one of the tournament’s standout performers, in the round of 32.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report