Netherlands' players celebrated like they'd just won the lottery, and who can blame them? A 3-1 win over Tunisia was a much-needed boost in Group F, with their qualification hopes hanging precariously in the balance. The Dutch side came out flying, and it wasn't long before they were two goals to the good, thanks in part to an own goal from Ellyes Skhiri that set pulses racing.
The opening half was a masterclass in Dutch dominance, with possession won at will and opportunities galore for Vincent van der Vaart's side. That fateful fourth-minute own goal, which equalled the 2018 World Cup record, was soon followed by Brian Brobbey doubling the Netherlands' lead – and leaving Tunisia staring down the barrel.
Despite the early setbacks, the North Africans refused to give up, with Ismael Gharbi nearly opening their account in the second minute. But as the second half unfolded, it was clear that this match would be decided by events beyond the confines of the stadium. News trickled through from the Japan v Sweden game – and what a game it was! – and the tension mounted.
Jan-Paul van Hecke sealed the Dutch's fate with his third goal, though it was a contentious one, deflecting off Tunisia's Ben Slimane as it did. Hazem Mastouri did manage to halve the deficit for Tunisia, but it was too little, too late – and ultimately, Memphis Depay's introduction proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
With the score settled at 3-1, both managers were left to wonder what might have been had their teams performed slightly differently. The Netherlands now await the conclusion of the Japan-Sweden game with bated breath, knowing that their qualification hopes hang by a thread – but they're not out of the woods just yet.
The match was a microcosm of the unpredictable nature of World Cup group stages, where results in one game can turn fortunes on their head. And what a tournament it's been so far, with own goals aplenty to make this edition one for the record books!