Netherlands vs. Tunisia, FIFA World Cup match result: Netherlands beat Tunisia to enter round of 32

The Netherlands sealed top spot in Group F with a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday, setting up a World Cup round of 32 match against Morocco.Ronald Koeman’s side finished ahead of Japan, who were held to a draw by Sweden earlier in the day. The result meant the Dutch progressed as group winners, while Japan will face tournament favorites Brazil in the knockout stages.The Netherlands made the perfect start in rainy conditions at the Kansas City Stadium, taking the lead within two minutes. Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri accidentally turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net as he tried to stop Brian Brobbey getting on the end.Five minutes later, Brobbey doubled the lead with a close-range finish after Virgil van Dijk headed a free-kick back across goal. It was the third goal of the tournament for the striker.The early blitz also created history as the Netherlands scored twice in the opening seven minutes of a World Cup match for the first time.Having already been eliminated after losing their first two matches and changing their coach during the tournament, Tunisia struggled to register. Ismael Gharbi had an early chance before the Dutch took control but failed to hit the target.The African side found hope midway through the second half when Hazem Mastouri headed home from Hannibal Mejbri’s corner to make it 2-1.However, the Dutch recovered the two-goal advantage almost immediately. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke scored his first international goal, his header from Tijjani Reijnders’ corner easily deflected off Anis Slimane and into the net.The result completed an impressive group stage campaign for the Netherlands, who now head into the knockout stages full of confidence.Their attention now turns to Monday’s round of 32 clash with Morocco, while Tunisia exit the tournament without adding to their solitary point.