The Netherlands maintained their perfect start to the World Cup with a ruthless 5-1 dismantling of Sweden, replicating the scoreline from their tournament-opening victory over Tunisia. Bryan Brobbey marked his full debut with an early brace, while Cody Gakpo added two more goals to send the Oranje surging toward the knockout stages of Group F.
Crysencio Summerville completed the rout with an 89th-minute strike, ensuring all six goals came from Premier League players on the night. Antony Elanga scored Sweden’s consolation, but Graham Potter’s side were second best throughout against a Dutch team boasting extensive Bundesliga experience.
Debutant Brobbey leads the charge
Former RB Leipzig striker Brobbey seized his opportunity in the starting lineup, netting the opening two goals to set the Netherlands on course for a second consecutive five-goal haul. The 22-year-old’s clinical finishing contrasted sharply with Sweden’s misfiring attack, where Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres—who both found the net against Tunisia—were unable to convert their chances.
Liverpool’s Gakpo then took centre stage with his own double, capitalising on Sweden’s defensive frailties to put the result beyond doubt. The Premier League influence continued when Summerville, who also scored in the win over Tunisia, grabbed his second of the tournament late on.
Group standings and fallout
The result leaves the Netherlands sitting pretty with six points and a formidable goal difference, effectively securing their place in the last 16 barring a mathematical catastrophe. For Sweden, the defeat represents a significant setback following their encouraging opening performance, with Potter now needing to rally his side for a final push.
The day’s events also saw further fallout from the Netherlands’ first match, as Tunisia dismissed coach Sabri Lamouchi in the wake of their 5-1 thrashing. The North African side face Japan in the group’s concluding fixture, while Sweden must wait to learn their fate depending on results elsewhere.
St. Pauli’s Alexander Bernhardsson retained his place in Sweden’s starting eleven, though he was outshone by the Dutch contingent of ex-Bundesliga talents including Micky van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch, Donyell Malen and Guus Til.