Soccer-'Not afraid of anyone': Dutch unfazed by potential knockout opponents


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Netherlands Training - KC Current Training Facility, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. - June 24, 2026 Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and his players during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jay Biggerstaff

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, ⁠June 24 (Reuters) - The Netherlands are unconcerned about ⁠potential knockout-stage opponents as they prepare to ‌face already-eliminated Tunisia in their final World Cup Group F match, with coach Ronald Koeman insisting his side are focused ​on topping the group.

• "It's all the ⁠same to me," ⁠Koeman told reporters on Wednesday, when asked if there ⁠were ‌teams he would prefer to avoid.

• "We want to get very far in this ⁠tournament. We respect all of our opponents, ​whoever they ‌are, and we're not afraid of anyone. Because ⁠we believe ​we're a strong team," the coach added.

• "We think that the best way to go about this is ⁠to take this one match ​at a time, and just be ready to beat whoever you have to face," Koeman said.

• The ⁠Dutch, who opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan before thrashing Sweden 5-1, are level on four points with Japan, leading the group on goals ​scored.

• Sweden sit third on ⁠three points, while Tunisia have already been eliminated ​after heavy defeats to Sweden ‌and Japan.

• The Netherlands and ​Tunisia face off on Thursday in Kansas City.

(Reporting by Gabriel AraujoEditing by Toby Davis)

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