Netherlands imposed control and settled a 3-1 with more attacking volume
With 72% possession and 20 shots, Netherlands made the difference from the outset and ultimately justified the 3-1 win over Tunisia. Ellyes Skhiri’s own goal in the 3' and Brian Brobbey’s 1-0 in the 7' left the match uphill from very early on.
Tunisia fell 1-3 to Netherlands in the World Cup — Group stage, and the match was heavily shaped from the opening minutes. The biggest difference was control: Netherlands held 72% possession, took 20 shots and got 7 on target, compared with 28%, 10 shots and 4 on target for Tunisia.
Tactical read
The game showed a Dutch side far more in command of the ball and the pitch. The possession figure, 72% to 28%, was not just sterile circulation: it translated into clearly superior attacking volume, with 20 shots to 10. There was also a difference in finishing accuracy, with 7 shots on target for Netherlands compared with 4 for Tunisia.
The scoreline also reflects that superiority in chance creation and efficiency. Netherlands went 1-0 up through an own goal by Ellyes Skhiri in the 3', and soon after extended the lead through Brian Brobbey in the 7'. That opening sequence set the tone for the match: Tunisia were forced to chase from very early on, while the Dutch side could manage the advantage with the ball and maintain overall control.
Tunisia managed to pull one back with H. Mastouri in the 54', a goal that gave the game some breathing room and a touch of suspense. But Netherlands answered quickly and stretched the gap again with Jan Paul van Hecke in the 62'. That third goal effectively ended any comeback attempt and left the final 3-1 without much debate.
The difference between the systems also supports the reading of the match: Tunisia lined up in 5-3-2, while Netherlands set up in 4-3-3. The possession and shot numbers suggest the Dutch shape gave them more width and more attacking presence, while Tunisia were deeper and less able to sustain long spells of pressure.
The standouts
The top ratings were on Netherlands’ side, which also explains why the team was able to keep control of the match.
- Brian Brobbey was the highest rated with 8.1 and also opened the scoring in the 7'.
- Virgil van Dijk recorded 7.6 and brought solidity to a defense that conceded only one goal from open play.
- Denzel Dumfries posted 7.5, in a side that finished with clear territorial and attacking dominance.
Turning point
The opening was decisive: Ellyes Skhiri’s own goal in the 3' and Brian Brobbey’s strike in the 7' immediately put Tunisia behind. From there, the match became much more comfortable for Netherlands, who could control the tempo through possession and play from in front throughout.
Closing
The final 3-1 lines up closely with what the numbers show: more possession, more shots and more attempts on target for Netherlands. Tunisia found a goal and had moments to compete, but could not balance a match that was decided very early by Dutch superiority.
