The Netherlands secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second World Cup Group F match, played at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday. Brian Brobbey scored two early goals, Cody Gakpo added a brace in the second half, and Crysencio Summerville sealed the win with a late strike.
Early double from Brobbey sets the tone
Coach Ronald Koeman opted to start Brian Brobbey ahead of record scorer Memphis Depay, a decision that paid off handsomely. Brobbey opened the scoring in the 9th minute, tapping in after a swift move involving Tijjani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo. He struck again in the 17th minute, directing Denzel Dumfries' cross past Sweden goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt with an outstretched leg.
The Netherlands dominated possession and created numerous chances, while Sweden struggled to contain the Dutch attack. The Swedes, who had beaten Tunisia 5-1 in their opener, were sloppy in possession and could not match the intensity of their opponents.
Gakpo doubles the lead after the break
After a hydration break, Sweden showed more urgency but could not break through. Viktor Gyokeres tested Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a free kick and a curling effort, while Yasin Ayari missed a golden opportunity to pull one back when he failed to control the ball with only the keeper to beat.
Cody Gakpo then took over, scoring twice in a seven-minute spell early in the second half. His first came from a pass by Reijnders, and the second was a clinical finish from inside the box. Substitute Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden in the 59th minute, but it proved only a consolation.
Summerville completes the rout
The Netherlands continued to press and were rewarded in the final minute when Crysencio Summerville slalomed through the Swedish defense and finished neatly from the edge of the box. The 5-1 win moved the Netherlands to the top of Group F with four points, while Sweden remained on three. Japan and Tunisia were set to meet later on Saturday in Monterrey.
