W/Cup: Netherlands Top Group F, Sweden, Japan Draw To Reach Knockouts
The Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1 on Thursday to advance to the World Cup knock-out stage as Group F winners, while Japan and Sweden are also through after a 1-1 draw.
The Netherlands will now face Morocco in the round of 32, while Japan will take on Brazil.
Sweden advanced as one of the best eight third-placed teams but must wait until the end of the group stage to find out their next opponent.
The Netherlands 3-1 defeat to Tunisia capped a disappointing tournament for the north Africans, who conceded 12 goals across three matches despite arriving with a reputation for defensive solidity after they cruised through qualifying without conceding a single goal.
Coach Herve Renard was rushed in to replace the sacked Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opener but was unable to change their fortunes.
Advertisement
Their 12 goals conceded in the group stage from the expanded 48-team tournament format was a World Cup record, topping the previous record of 11 set by Costa Rica at the 2022 World Cup, when the tournament featured 32 teams.
Their early flight home will trigger a period of reflection after a tournament that quickly turned into a nightmare.
The 57-year-old coach Renard, who stepped in to coach his fifth African national team, has said his future is uncertain.