The match, played at 5 p.m. in Guatemala, was also marked by the historic debut of Mexican Katia Itzel García as central referee in a men’s World Cup.
The match started in the best way for the Dutch. In the 3rd minute, Ellyes Skhiri scored an own goal and put the Netherlands ahead. Four minutes later, Brian Brobbey extended the lead to 2-0, a result that reflected European dominance from the start.
Tunisia reacted in the second half. Hazem Mastouri scored in the 54th minute and restored hope to his team, but Jan Paul van Hecke sealed the match in the 62nd minute with an accurate header after a corner.
Beyond the result, the match also represented a historic moment for international refereeing. Katia Itzel García directed the match with ease and became the first Mexican to serve as a central referee in a men’s World Cup.
The Netherlands managed the advantage with authority during the final stretch of the match. The income of players like Memphis Depay allowed the team to maintain control of the ball and avoid the Tunisian reaction.
With the victory, the Clockwork Orange finished as leader of Group F with seven points, followed by Japan, which advanced with five points. Sweden finished third with four and was pending other results to know if it reaches the round of 32 as one of the best third parties, while Tunisia finished last, without points.