HOUSTON — The Netherlands responded emphatically to the pressure of its opening-game draw by cruising to a 5-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday to move to the top of Group F at the World Cup.
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored two goals each as the Dutch produced one of the most dominant performances of the tournament after opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan.
The victory lifted the Netherlands to four points and put Ronald Koeman’s side in control of the group ahead of its final match against Tunisia.
“It could be that the way we played builds confidence,” Koeman said. “Now we’ve got a slightly better piece of mind with the four points.”
The Dutch took the lead after only five minutes when Gakpo delivered a cross for Brobbey, who finished first time before adding his second goal in the 17th minute from another Denzel Dumfries delivery.
Gakpo extended the lead shortly after halftime, converting Dumfries’ cross in the 47th minute before adding his second seven minutes later after cutting inside from the left.
“Today there was more variation in attacking play,” Gakpo said. “It was more difficult for the defenders to mark us.”
Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden in the 59th minute, but Crysencio Summerville completed the scoring late in the match and celebrated with NBA star Stephen Curry’s trademark “night night” gesture.
Sweden, which had opened the tournament with a 5-1 win over Tunisia, suffered its heaviest World Cup defeat since a 7-1 loss to Brazil in 1950.
Coach Graham Potter praised the quality of the Dutch side.
“They’re a top team and they were better than us today,” Potter said. “We have to congratulate them.”
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several important saves during the opening half, while a Swedish goal from Gustaf Lagerbielke was ruled out for offside shortly before halftime.
The Dutch also received support from King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, who watched from the stands as their team delivered a statement victory.
The Netherlands conclude group play against Tunisia on Thursday in Kansas City, while Sweden face Japan in Dallas.
Source: Saudi Gazette