Netherlands won this third World Cup group-stage match 3-1 by hitting Tunisia hard in the opening seven minutes. Tunisia fell behind as early as the third minute, when an early Dutch move ended with Ellyes Skhiri unluckily turning the ball into his own net. Four minutes later the situation worsened for Hervé Renard's side. Virgil van Dijk provided the assist and Brian Brobbey finished in the 7th minute to make it 0-2, giving the match a clear direction from the outset.
Netherlands retained possession thereafter and denied Tunisia any extended spells in the opposition half. 72 per cent possession, 20 attempts and seven shots on target illustrated the Dutch control. Tunisia managed 28 per cent possession, ten attempts and four shots on target - they had their moments, but had to work significantly harder for every attack.
The moment that briefly gave Tunisia hope came after the break. Hannibal Mejbri found Hazem Mastouri in the 54th minute, who pulled it back to 1-2. For a short period the match opened up, as Netherlands could no longer rely on possession alone to protect their lead. Eight minutes later, however, came the response that put Tunisia's consolation into perspective. Tijjani Reijnders laid the ball off for Jan Paul van Hecke in the 62nd minute, who made it 1-3 and restored the two-goal cushion.
Brobbey was the most prominent Dutch attacker throughout. His early goal denied Tunisia any foothold in the game, and he also initiated several further attacks. Van Hecke shaped the second half in a different way, clearing numerous defensive situations before scoring the goal at the other end that settled the match.
Both teams made a further eight substitutions in the middle period. For Netherlands, Noa Lang came on for Cody Gakpo in the 84th minute. For Tunisia, Sebastian Tounekti replaced Hazem Mastouri in the 90th minute.
For Netherlands, the 3-1 result brought the group stage to a close in keeping with the rest of their campaign - two wins, one draw, no defeats. They head into their next assignment knowing they can strike early and respond after conceding. Tunisia remained without a point after their third match and must bid farewell to the tournament.
