June 20 (THEWILL) — The Netherlands produced a devastating attacking display to overwhelm Sweden 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Matchday 2 clash at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Saturday.
After being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening fixture, Ronald Koeman’s side responded in emphatic fashion, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scoring twice before Crysencio Summerville added a late fifth.
The Dutch wasted little time asserting their dominance as Brobbey opened the scoring in the fifth minute before doubling the advantage 12 minutes later. The striker’s clinical finishing helped the Netherlands establish control and carry a comfortable 2-0 lead into halftime.
Sweden thought they had found a route back into the contest before the break, but Gabriel Gudmundsson’s effort was ruled out for offside.
The Netherlands resumed with the same intensity after the interval. Gakpo struck twice within seven minutes, finding the net in the 47th and 54th minutes to effectively put the contest beyond Sweden’s reach.
Substitute Anthony Elanga offered Sweden a brief spark when he pulled one back in the 59th minute, but any hopes of a comeback quickly faded as the Dutch maintained their attacking pressure.
Summerville completed the rout in the 89th minute, scoring for the second consecutive match to cap a memorable evening for the Oranje.
Despite Sweden recording more shot attempts and shots on target, the Netherlands proved far more efficient in front of goal. The victory also extended the Dutch national team’s impressive unbeaten run in normal time at the World Cup to 14 matches.
The result moves the Netherlands firmly back into contention for a place in the knockout stages, while Sweden will look to recover in their final group fixture after suffering a heavy setback.
Pics: Brian Brobbey celebrating one of his two goals with teammates.
