The Netherlands cruised to a 3-0 victory over Tunisia on Thursday, securing top spot in Group F and setting up a last-32 showdown with Morocco. The Oranje took the lead through a record-equalling 12th own goal of the tournament, scored by Ellyes Skhiri, before Brian Brobbey and Jan Paul van Hecke added second-half strikes.
Netherlands dominate early, Tunisia miss chances
Ronald Koeman's side started brightly and should have been behind inside 70 seconds when Ismaël Gharbi spurned a brilliant opportunity from Hazem Mastouri's pass. "We weren't good enough," admitted Tunisia coach Hervé Renard. The Netherlands went ahead less than a minute later when Skhiri diverted Denzel Dumfries' cross into his own net.
Brobbey doubled the lead when Virgil van Dijk picked out the Sunderland striker from a free-kick. Tunisia had chances to reduce the deficit, with Anis Ben Slimane heading wide, but the Netherlands remained in control.
Second-half goals seal win
Denzel Dumfries almost scored a third at the start of the second half, but his volley was blocked. Jan Paul van Hecke then headed home from a corner to restore the two-goal cushion after Mastouri's header had given Japan the lead in the parallel match. Tijjani Reijnders hit the crossbar with a delightful chip, while Memphis Depay almost connected with a spectacular acrobatic effort late on.
"At some point we got too comfortable but it won't happen in the next match," said Koeman. "It will be a big game with a lot of quality and we know them very well because many of their squad members play in the Eredivisie."
Netherlands face Morocco in Monterrey
The Netherlands will now face Morocco in Monterrey on Monday, a mouthwatering clash that avoids a meeting with Brazil. Koeman's side, who have been based in Kansas, will travel more than 1,000 miles to northern Mexico. "There's always room for improvement and we will need to improve if we are going to go further in this competition," added Koeman.
Tunisia, meanwhile, head home with a goal difference of minus 10 after a disappointing tournament. Renard, who replaced Sabri Lamouchi after the opening defeat to Sweden, hinted he could stay with the Carthage Eagles beyond this tournament because "I missed Africa".
