Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1, top Group F, set up Morocco clash

The Netherlands cruised past Tunisia 3-1 on Thursday in Kansas City to secure top spot in World Cup Group F, avoiding a potentially tough match against Brazil in the knockout stage. Ronald Koeman's side finished with seven points, edging Japan for first place, and will now meet Morocco in the round of 32 on Monday in Monterrey.

Despite a pre-match lightning storm, the game kicked off on time. Tunisia had an early chance when Ismael Gharbi fired over, but the Dutch took control quickly. In the third minute, Ellyes Skhiri turned Denzel Dumfries's cross into his own net. Four minutes later, Brian Brobbey smashed home from close range after Virgil van Dijk's header from a Tijjani Reijnders free kick made it 2-0.

Tunisia pulled one back after the break: in the 54th minute, Hazem Mastouri headed in from Hannibal Mejbri's corner. However, the Dutch restored their two-goal lead shortly after the hour mark when Jan Paul van Hecke's header from another Reijnders corner deflected into the net.

Tunisia exit the tournament without a point, having conceded 12 goals in three matches. The team hired veteran French coach Herve Renard last week after Sabri Lamouchi was sacked following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden, but the defensive issues persisted. Earlier, Tunisia had sailed through qualifying without conceding a single goal.

In the other Group F game, Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden in Arlington, Texas. Japan finished second, while Sweden advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.