The Netherlands crushed Sweden 5-1 at Houston Stadium on Saturday, seizing control of World Cup Group F with a dominant display that featured two goals from Cody Gakpo.
Ronald Koeman’s side wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just five minutes in, goalkeeper Verbruggen launched a long ball that found Brian Brobbey, who laid it off for Tijjani Reijnders. The midfielder quickly released Gakpo down the left, and the PSV forward buried his finish past the Swedish keeper.
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The Dutch doubled their lead at 16 minutes through Brobbey. Donyell Malen found Denzel Dumfries charging down the right flank, and the fullback’s low cross was deflected home by the Ajax striker for a 2-0 advantage.
Sweden’s frustration mounts
Sweden thought they had pulled one back just before halftime when Victor Lindelöf headed home from a free kick, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. The decision preserved the Netherlands’ two-goal cushion heading into the break.
Any hopes of a Swedish comeback evaporated within eight minutes of the restart. Crysencio Summerville found Dumfries on the overlap, and his cross was tapped in by an unmarked Gakpo at the back post. Five minutes later, Gakpo struck again, finishing a rapid counterattack after Alexander Isak lost possession in the Dutch half.
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The Liverpool forward’s second goal brought his international tally to 23, underlining his growing importance to the Oranje setup.
Late goals seal emphatic win
Sweden briefly threatened a response when Anthony Elanga latched onto Isak’s through ball and fired high into the net at 58 minutes, reducing the deficit to 4-1. But any momentum was short-lived.
The Netherlands put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute. Substitute Memphis Depay threaded a perfect pass for Summerville, who raced through the Swedish defense and slotted home to complete the 5-1 rout.
The victory puts the Netherlands top of Group F with four points, ahead of Sweden on three. Japan has one point while Tunisia remains pointless. Both the Dutch and Swedes face crucial final group matches on Thursday — the Netherlands meet Tunisia in Kansas City while Sweden takes on Japan in Dallas, with qualification spots on the line.
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For Koeman’s side, this performance sends a clear message: their attack, spearheaded by the in-form Gakpo, can tear apart any defense when clicking. Sweden, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they hope to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
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