The Netherlands head into their final World Cup group match with qualification firmly in their own hands, while Tunisia are simply playing for pride.
After two games in Group F, the Dutch sit top of the table on four points, level with Japan but ahead on goals scored. A 2-2 draw against Japan was followed by an emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden, leaving Ronald Koeman’s side well placed to reach the Round of 32 and potentially finish as group winners.
Tunisia’s campaign has gone in the opposite direction. Heavy defeats against Sweden and Japan have left the North Africans at the bottom of the group with zero points and already eliminated from the tournament.
Having conceded nine goals across their opening two matches, their hopes of reaching the knockout stages disappeared before the final round of fixtures.
That does not mean there is nothing left to play for.
The Netherlands still need a result to guarantee their place in the next round and will also have one eye on finishing above Japan to secure top spot in Group F. A victory would remove any doubt and could see them progress as group winners, depending on the outcome of the other match between Japan and Sweden.
For Tunisia, the objective is much simpler. With qualification no longer possible, this is a chance to end a disappointing tournament on a positive note and give their travelling supporters something to remember.
On paper, the Dutch are overwhelming favourites. They have already shown their attacking quality during this tournament, scoring seven goals in two matches, while Tunisia have struggled badly at both ends of the pitch.
How to watch Tunisia vs Netherlands
Tunisia vs Netherlands kicks off at 00:00 BST on Friday, June 26, at the Kansas City Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be available on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be shown on Telemundo and Universo, while Peacock will provide streaming options.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Select matches will also be broadcast on CTV, while streaming is available through TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Tunisia team news
With Tunisia already out of the tournament, changes could be on the cards for their final group game.
Back-to-back defeats against Sweden and Japan exposed weaknesses at both ends of the pitch, with the Eagles of Carthage conceding nine goals and struggling to create enough chances of their own.
After such a disappointing campaign, the coaching staff may decide this is the right opportunity to freshen things up.
That could mean opportunities for players who have played limited minutes so far in the competition.
The biggest challenge for Tunisia is restoring confidence. They have looked vulnerable whenever opponents have increased the tempo, and facing one of the tournament’s strongest attacking sides is hardly ideal preparation for a farewell appearance.
Despite their elimination, Tunisia will still want to leave a better impression than they managed in their opening two matches.
Avoiding another heavy defeat will be a priority, while a positive result against the Netherlands would be one of the biggest surprises of the group stage.
Tunisia expected XI: Dahmen – Valery, Rekik, Talbi, Abdi – Ben Slimane, Khedira, Hannibal – Ayari, Mastouri, Saad.
Netherlands team news
The Netherlands are unlikely to make many changes with qualification not yet fully secured.
Ronald Koeman’s side followed a frustrating draw against Japan with an impressive 5-1 win over Sweden, a result that put them in control of Group F heading into the final round of fixtures.
While a point could be enough to reach the knockout stage, the Dutch will be targeting all three points to remove any uncertainty and strengthen their chances of finishing top.
That leaves Koeman with little reason to experiment.
The Netherlands have looked dangerous going forward throughout the tournament, scoring seven goals in two matches.
Their attacking players have caused problems for every defence they have faced, and there is every chance they will adopt a positive approach against a Tunisia side that has struggled defensively.
With first place in the group still within reach, this is not the type of match where the Netherlands can afford to switch off. An early goal would settle nerves, while another convincing victory could send a message to the rest of the tournament.
Netherlands expected XI: Verbruggen – Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van De Ven – Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders – Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo.
Tunisia vs Netherlands stats
- Tunisia have lost both of their World Cup group matches, conceding nine goals in the process.
- Tunisia have managed just one goal across their opening two fixtures.
- The Dutch have scored seven goals so far this tournament.
- Tunisia have failed to keep a clean sheet at the tournament.
- A draw could be enough to send the Netherlands into the Round of 32, but a victory would guarantee qualification and strengthen their chances of finishing first in the group.
- Tunisia are playing only for pride, while the Netherlands know three points would remove any doubt about their place in the knockout rounds.
Tunisia vs Netherlands prediction
The Netherlands have put themselves in a strong position heading into their final group match, and it would take a major surprise to see them stumble here.
Ronald Koeman’s side have looked dangerous throughout the tournament. They shared four goals with Japan before producing one of the standout performances of the group stage in a 5-1 victory over Sweden. With seven goals scored in two matches, confidence should be high inside the Dutch camp.
Tunisia, meanwhile, have endured a difficult World Cup. Defeats against Sweden and Japan have already ended their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds, while nine goals conceded highlights the defensive problems they have faced.
That difference in form is hard to ignore.
The Netherlands still have work to do if they want to guarantee qualification and potentially finish top of Group F.
Because of that, there is little chance of complacency creeping into their performance. An early goal could open the game up quickly, especially against a Tunisia side that has looked vulnerable whenever opponents have applied sustained pressure.
Tunisia may play with greater freedom now that elimination has been confirmed, but they have yet to show they can consistently compete with the stronger teams in the group. Keeping the score respectable could be their main objective.
The Dutch have more quality across the pitch, more momentum and far more at stake. Unless Tunisia can produce a dramatic improvement, the Netherlands should have enough to finish the group stage with another victory.
Prediction: Tunisia 0-4 Netherlands
