The Netherlands triumphed over Sweden with a convincing 5-1 win in the World Cup, held on Saturday. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice, helping the team rise to the top of the Group F standings. The Dutch sought redemption after drawing 2-2 with Japan in their opening match.
Brobbey’s first-half goals set the tone for the Netherlands, giving the team a strong start. With this win, they lead the group with four points. Sweden stands at three points, while Japan and Tunisia are set to play later.
Cody Gakpo expanded the lead to 3-0 shortly after halftime, connecting with a cross from Denzel Dumfries in the 47th minute. Gakpo’s right-footed shot from the left added to his tally in the 54th minute.
Despite Sweden’s promising debut after crushing Tunisia 5-1, they suffered their heaviest World Cup defeat since the 7-1 loss to Brazil in 1950. The Netherlands’ strategy to exploit the flanks and cross to Brobbey proved effective, with Brobbey opening the scoring in the fifth minute. A well-placed cross from Gakpo allowed him to finish spectacularly.
Gakpo celebrated his third goal in a match against Sweden, held on June 20 in Houston. Denzel Dumfries assisted Brobbey’s second goal, scored in the 17th minute, by placing the ball inside the far post.
Anthony Elanga scored Sweden’s lone goal in the 59th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-1. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was instrumental for the Netherlands in the first half, saving four attempts.
Sweden’s Gustaf Lagerbielke seemed to score with a header just before halftime, but it was ruled offside. Lagerbielke hails from Swedish nobility, with his father and grandfather being counts. Royalty was not reserved for Sweden, as King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended, supporting the Dutch from a luxury suite.
The presence of 68,777 fans, predominantly Netherlands supporters, highlighted the passion for the match. Many participated in the Oranje Fanwalk, a 2.5-mile trek from Rice University to the stadium.
Crysencio Summerville added another goal for the Netherlands in the 89th minute, paying homage to NBA star Steph Curry with a celebratory gesture. Subsequently, Sweden is set to face Japan in Dallas, while the Netherlands will play Tunisia in Kansas City on Thursday night.