As the tension in Group F ratchets up, you have a game with very different stakes and not much of a history to speak of. If you’re looking at the head-to-head for this one, it comes down to this: the Dutch can nudge their way to first place, while Tunisia are out to make a statement and get that first point.
The fixture is on for June 26th at Kansas City Stadium. The Netherlands have the form and the goals; for Tunisia, it’s time to put an end to a hard run of results and go out with some dignity.
Why this Group F finale is on everyone’s mind
Netherlands started with a stalemate against Japan before putting on a show to put 5-1 past Sweden. That kind of verve has Ronald Koeman’s men in with a shot at topping the group.
Tunisia have had a harder road. They’ve been on the wrong end of 5-1 and 4-0 scorelines to Sweden and Japan respectively. They sit on zero with a -8 goal difference and are done with the knockout hopes, but there is still some honour to be won.
They’ve made a change at the top since the first loss, bringing in Herve Renard. Some fans have been vocal, but Renard isn’t overreaching: he just wants to put a point in the bag. Both teams should be at full strength.
Head-to-head: you don’t see this often
You won’t find much in the record books for this one. These two have only been at it once as seniors, in a friendly way back in April 1978.
The Netherlands put 4-0 on the board that day. What happens in Kansas City will be the first time they’ve met when it actually counts.
So there’s no old story to tell here. It’s all about who is in better shape right now. Scouting work and how the tournament has panned out matter more than what happened in 1978.
Form and what to watch for
Their midfield has had trouble shielding the defence and setting up play, which has left the back line exposed. Renard’s lot will have to put the brakes on, be careful with the ball and make something of set pieces to make it a contest.
There’s nothing to fear for them anymore, so they can be loose with it. A draw would be enough to rewrite how people see their World Cup.
Where the Netherlands are at
The 5-1 over Sweden was a reminder of how dangerous they can be in the last third. They had control and finished well, and they’ll be after the same sort of performance.
Koeman will be on top of any let-up in concentration, though. On paper they are the better team, but you can’t afford to be undisciplined in a tournament like this.
A few things to keep in mind:
– This is the first time they’ve met in a competitive game
– Last time around, it was 4-0 to the Dutch
– Netherlands: a draw with Japan, 5-1 with Sweden
– Tunisia: 5-1 and 4-0 losses to those same sides
– Zero points for Tunisia, -8 on the goal difference
– June 26th, Kansas City Stadium
What’s in store
Put in a shift like they have and the Netherlands can put themselves in a fine position for the next round and put the opening draw behind them. A strong showing would say a lot to whoever they might face down the line.
Tunisia want to walk away with something to show for it. Renard has his eye on a point or more, and if they hold firm and don’t give in early, it’s doable.
Our call: Tunisia 1-5 Netherlands.
