The Netherlands and Tunisia have unveiled their starting XIs for their final Group-stage clash, with both nations heading into the encounter driven by very different objectives.
The Dutch know that victory will guarantee them top spot in the group, making the contest a must-win as they aim to carry momentum into the knockout rounds. Tunisia, meanwhile, are playing for pride after seeing their hopes of progression come to an end, and will be eager to bow out of the tournament with a positive result.
Tunisia manager has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Aymen Dahmen starting in goal behind a back four of Yan Valery, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. Captain Ellyes Skhiri anchors the midfield alongside R. Khedira, while Hannibal is handed the creative role behind striker Hazem Mestouri. Anis Slimane and Ismaël Gharbi provide the attacking width.
The Netherlands line up in an attacking 4-3-3 system. Bart Verbruggen starts between the posts, protected by a defence featuring captain Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Nathan Aké and Denzel Dumfries.
The midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch will look to control possession, while Brian Brobbey leads the line with Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen providing pace and firepower from the flanks.
With first place in the group at stake for the Netherlands and national pride on the line for Tunisia, the stage is set for an intriguing contest. The Dutch will be expected to dominate proceedings, but Tunisia will be determined to end their World Cup campaign on a high and prove they can compete with one of Europe’s elite sides.
