The Netherlands took a big step towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages with an emphatic 5-1 win over Sweden.
It was the perfect response to a nervy 2-2 draw with Japan in their Group F opener, as Ronald Koeman’s side showed their own version of Total Football with a display of some wonderful attacking football.
Braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo along with Crysencio Summerville’s late strike sealed the rout, while Anthony Elanga netted what proved to be a mere consolation for Graham Potter’s side.
Sweden can feel a tad hard done by after showing some positive spells during the game, and ultimately registered more shots than Ronald Koeman’s side.
However, the Dutch were worthy winners and Brobbey put the Netherlands on course for victory in just the fifth minute with a close-range finish. He then completed his brace by sliding home Denzel Dumfries’ cross, scoring their 100th World Cup finals goal in the process.
Gakpo added a third for Koeman’s team within two minutes of the restart, as Dumfries was the provider once again, leaving the Liverpool midfielder to fire home from deep inside the box.
Gakpo would then strike again after being played through by Summerville with a fine right-footed finish.
Elanga netted just before the hour mark with a clinical left-footed finish from Alexander Isak’s pass to get Sweden on the scoresheet.
But Summerville ensured the Dutch had the last word with a brilliant strike of his own, with Memphis Depay the provider.
The Netherlands conclude their group stage campaign against Tunisia in Kansas City next Friday, while Sweden play Japan in Dallas the same day.
