Netherlands storms past Tunisia 3-1 to top Group F, sets up Morocco clash in World Cup last 32

Lightning start in stormy Kansas City

The Netherlands needed only seven minutes to put the match beyond Tunisia, scoring twice in a blistering opening. An own goal after just 2 minutes and 21 seconds, the second-fastest Dutch World Cup goal ever, was followed by Brian Brobbey’s third goal of the tournament, converting a Virgil van Dijk knockdown from a Tijjani Reijnders free kick. The early blitz came after severe weather threatened to delay kick-off; lightning, thunder, and heavy rain had forced the evacuation of the media centre and kept fans from the stands, but the skies cleared just in time.

Tunisia fights back, but Van Hecke restores cushion

After the break, Tunisia pulled one back when Hazem Mastouri headed in a corner, briefly raising tension as Japan took a simultaneous lead against Sweden that could have threatened the Netherlands’ group lead. Jan Paul van Hecke quickly answered, heading home his first international goal from another Reijnders corner to make it 3-1. Sweden’s equaliser against Japan soon after kept the Dutch comfortably atop Group F.

Koeman manages cards, looks ahead

Coach Ronald Koeman rested Micky van de Ven, Crysencio Summerville, and Memphis Depay, all carrying yellow cards, bringing in Nathan Aké and Donyell Malen. The win gave the Netherlands seven points from three matches, with two victories and a draw, and a plus-six goal difference.

Yes, fine.

Koeman said of the upcoming meeting with Morocco, adding he hopes for the same orange support in Mexico.

Morocco awaits in Monterrey

The round-of-32 clash against Morocco will kick off in the early hours of Tuesday Dutch time (3:00 a.m.) in Monterrey, Mexico. The matchup carries extra spice: three Moroccan internationals, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anass Salah-Eddine, were born in the Netherlands, while top scorer Ismael Saibari broke through at PSV. Morocco drew with Brazil and beat Haiti 4-2 to advance.