The Netherlands emphatically secured first place in Group 6, defeating Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City, in a match that was essentially decided in the first quarter.
The “oranie” entered explosively and within seven minutes took a two-goal lead, first with an own goal by Elies Skiri in the 3rd minute and then with a well-aimed finish by Brombe in the 7th minute. The Netherlands maintained complete control of the match in the first half, having possession and constantly creating chances.
Tunisia, which had already been eliminated after heavy defeats to Sweden and Japan, responded in the 54th minute, when Hamza Mastouri headed in a goal to reduce the score to 2-1, temporarily giving interest to the game.
However, Ronald Koeman’s team responded immediately, with Jan Paul van Hecke making it 3-1 in the 62nd minute after a corner kick from Raiders, “locking in” the victory.
For the rest of the match, the Netherlands comfortably managed the lead, without being threatened, finishing the group at the top with 7 points. Tunisia finished last, without a point, with 13 goals conceded.
In the “32”, the Netherlands will face Morocco, while Japan will face Brazil.
Referee: Katia Garcia (Mexico)
Yellow cards: –
The lineups of the two teams:
TUNISIA (Herve Renard): Damen, Abdi, Tabi, Valery, Hmidta (67′ Wanes), Maybri, Garbi (75′ Sawat), Khedira (67′ Mahmoud), Skiri, Slimane (67′ Akouri), Mastouri (90′ Tunekti).
NETHERLANDS (Ronald Koeman): Verbrucken, Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Ake, Gravenbergh, De Jong (72′ Koopmeiners), Reinders (72′ Kluivert), Gakpo (84′ Lang), Mullen (72′ Summerville), Brombey (77′ Depay).
