The World Cup knockout stage continued to take shape after the latest round of group matches, with the Netherlands finishing top of Group F, while Japan, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Australia also secured places in the round of 32.
Netherlands seal top spot in Group F
The Netherlands secured first place in Group F with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia.
An early own goal by Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri, following a cross from Denzel Dumfries, gave the Dutch the lead in the third minute. Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage four minutes later with a header from Virgil van Dijk’s free-kick.
Tunisia reduced the deficit early in the second half when Hazem Mastouri headed home from a corner, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the Netherlands’ two-goal cushion with another header from a corner kick.
In the group’s other match, Japan and Sweden played to a 1-1 draw. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring for Japan after receiving a pass from Ritsu Doan, before Anthony Elanga equalised three minutes later.
Despite late pressure from Sweden, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several important saves to preserve the draw. Japan finished second in the group, while Sweden ended third and also progressed to the knockout stage.
Ecuador and Ivory Coast advance
Ecuador booked their place in the knockout stage after coming from behind to beat Group E winners Germany 2-1.
Leroy Sane gave Germany an early lead before Nilson Angulo equalised. Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 78th minute, sending Ecuador through as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Ivory Coast also progressed after defeating Curaçao 2-0, with Nicolas Pépé scoring both goals. The victory secured the team’s first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage, while Curaçao exited the tournament without a win.
Ivory Coast will face either France or Norway in the round of 32.
USA lose unbeaten record, Australia qualify
Türkiye ended the United States’ unbeaten Group D campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory, thanks to Kaan Ayhan’s winning goal deep into stoppage time.
The USA made a bright start, with Trusty scoring after just 2 minutes and 13 seconds, the second-fastest World Cup goal in the nation’s history. Türkiye responded through Arda Guler before the visitors eventually claimed victory with Ayhan’s last-gasp strike.
Despite the defeat, the United States had already secured first place in Group D and will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
Meanwhile, Australia confirmed their place in the knockout stage after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
