Curacao Make History As Tunisia in Crisis! Day 10 World Cup Wrap

Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters News Service

The Netherlands have smashed Sweden 5-1, just a week after Sweden won 5-1 against Tunisia. Brian Brobbey scored the fourth quickest brace in World Cup history, with Cody Gakpo also bagging a brace.

Sweden who capitalised on opportunities so effectively against Tunisia, failed to repeat their success, with 10 shots on target for only 1 goal in return.

With this win, the Netherlands sit top of their group, in pole position to progress to the Round of 32 in top spot.

The story of the day belonged to Curacao, who produced one of the shocks of the tournament by holding Ecuador to a goalless draw in Group E.

Just days after suffering a 7-1 defeat to Germany in their World Cup debut, the Caribbean nation responded with a heroic defensive performance to earn the first World Cup point in their history.

Goalkeeper Eloy Room was the star of the show, producing a remarkable display that included 15 saves to frustrate Ecuador throughout the contest. Room's 15 saves was the second most saves ever in a World Cup game, just 1 less than Tim Howard in 2014.

Ecuador dominated possession and created numerous chances but were unable to find a breakthrough as Curacao celebrated a result that will live long in the nation's sporting history.

Germany entered the day knowing victory would put them firmly in control of Group E following their emphatic 7-1 win over Curacao in their opening fixture.

Julian Nagelsmann's side have been among the tournament's most impressive teams so far, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity as they continue their pursuit of a fifth World Cup title.

With Ecuador dropping points against Curacao, Germany's position at the top of Group E has been strengthened significantly, beating Cote D'Ivoire 2-1. Simon Adringra missed a crucial late chance to rescue a point for Cote D'Ivoire.

Japan and Tunisia took centre stage in what became the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history.

The landmark occasion was celebrated by FIFA before kick-off, with special recognition given to referee Istvan Kovacs and both participating nations as the tournament reached another historic milestone.

The fixture also marked Tunisia's first match since the sensational dismissal of head coach Sabri Lamouchi, with veteran manager Herve Renard taking charge in an attempt to revive their campaign following the heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden.

But this wasn't to be with Tunisia producing a fruitless first half, conceding early inside 5 minutes thanks to a great team goal, finished off by Daichi Kamada.

Japan cruised their way to their first World Cup win, firing in 4 goals to 0, Tunisia's manager change failing, sending them home after 2 heavy defeats.

Great performance by Japan, they can go all the way and be the Morocco or Croatia of this tournament.