The PuntHub view — The actual group of death
Three of these four would qualify from almost any other group. The Netherlands are the highest-rated side. Japan turned over both Germany and Spain at the last World Cup and have got better since. Sweden have more front-line firepower than half the seeds. Someone good is finishing third here.
Tunisia beat France in the 2022 group stage, so they're not making up the numbers either. The format takes some of the sting out — eight of the twelve third-placed teams advance — but top spot matters for the bracket, and the matchday-three permutations in this group could be carnage. Netherlands v Japan first up sets the tone.
Verdict: Netherlands and Japan, Sweden the strongest third-placed side in the tournament.
Standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 4 | WD |
| 2 | Sweden | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 3 | LW |
| 3 | Japan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | D |
| 4 | Tunisia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 | L |