The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday and will face Morocco in the last 32. fifa world cup.Ronald Koeman’s side are ahead of Japan, who were held to a draw by Sweden earlier in the day. The result means the Netherlands advance as top of the group, while Japan will face favorites Brazil in the knockout stages.The Netherlands got off to a perfect start on wet conditions at Kansas City Stadium, taking the lead within two minutes. Tunisia captain Ellis Schiri accidentally deflected Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net while trying to stop Brian Brobby’s shot.Five minutes later Virgil van Dijk headed in a free-kick and Brobbie doubled the lead from close range. This is the striker’s third goal of the game.An early blitz also made history, with the Netherlands scoring twice in the opening seven minutes of a World Cup match for the first time.Already eliminated after losing their first two games and changing coaches during the tournament, Tunisia struggled to respond. Ismael Gharbi had an early chance before the Netherlands took control of the game but failed to hit the target.In the middle of the second half, the African team saw hope. Hazim Masturi scored with a header from Hannibal Mejebri’s corner kick, narrowing the gap to 2-1.However, the Netherlands restored their two-goal advantage almost immediately. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke’s header from Tijjani Reijnders’ corner kick narrowly deflected past Anis Slimane and found its way into the net.The Netherlands have enjoyed an impressive run through the group stages and now head into the knockout rounds with confidence.Their attention now turns to Monday’s last-32 tie with Morocco, with Tunisia exiting the competition without adding their only point.
