Netherlands strike early: Skhiri own goal, Brobbey

In the final Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands led Tunisia 2-0 at the break with an effective first-half display away from home. Taking the field with the aim of finishing top of the group, the Netherlands marked the match with goals in the opening minutes and took complete control at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The Netherlands made a superb start. In the 3rd minute, Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri, trying to cut out a dangerous ball driven across the box by Denzel Dumfries, turned it into his own net for an early shock. With Tunisia still reeling, the second goal came in the 7th minute. After Virgil van Dijk's header from a set-piece, Brian Brobbey reacted quickest in the box scramble and fired the ball home for his third goal of the tournament.

For the rest of the first half, the advantage was entirely with the Netherlands. They opened a clear gap on their opponents in possession (55%) and expected goals (0.21-0.07); but in the 40th minute Ryan Gravenberch's long-range effort sailed over the bar and the third goal did not arrive. Tunisia, bowing out of the tournament with two heavy defeats, found a couple of moments through Yan Valery and Anis Ben Slimane but could not beat keeper Bart Verbruggen. In the second half, the Netherlands are expected to keep chasing goals to secure top spot.

Image: Yahoo Sports