Netherlands' fastest double since 1971 as Brobbey scores

The Netherlands opened their World Cup group match against Tunisia on 26 June 2026 with a blistering start, netting two goals within the first seven minutes. The rapid double marks the quickest pair of scores for Oranje since a seven‑minute two‑goal burst against Luxembourg in 1971. Three minutes in, Tunisia defender Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently put his own net behind, giving the Dutch an early lead. That own goal became the second‑fastest World Cup goal ever for the Netherlands, surpassed only by Johan Neeskens' 90‑second strike in the 1974 final. Four minutes later, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage for Oranje. His goal made him only the third player since Opta began recording data in 1966 to be on target with his first three World Cup shots, joining Laszlo Kiss and Yerry Mina.

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Laszlo Kiss achieved the feat for Hungary in the 1982 tournament, while Yerry Mina did so for Colombia in 2018. Both players, like Brobbey, recorded three on‑target attempts in their debut World Cup matches. On 17 November 1971, the Netherlands were already 2‑0 up after seven minutes against Luxembourg in a Euro qualification clash, with goals from Johan Cruijff and Piet Keizer. The match ended in an 0‑8 victory for the Dutch side.

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The report was compiled by sport editor Jeffrey van der Maten, published at 01:22 and updated at 01:54 on 26 June 2026. His coverage highlights the historic significance of the early scoring burst.