Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey each scored two goals as the Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1. This big win in Houston puts the Dutch team close to the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
The Netherlands now lead Group F with four points from two games. Sweden is second with three points. Japan has one point, and Tunisia has zero.
Brobbey's Early Goals
Sunderland striker Brobbey started the game and scored twice early on. His goals came in the fifth and 17th minutes. Before this match, he had only scored once for his country since his debut three years ago.
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Start Your News DetoxLiverpool's Gakpo, who helped set up Brobbey's first goal, also scored twice in the second half. Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga scored for Sweden just before the hour mark. West Ham's Crysencio Summerville added the final goal for the Netherlands.
The Dutch team started strong in front of their orange-clad fans and King Willem-Alexander. Brobbey's first goal involved goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, and Gakpo. Brobbey exchanged passes with Gakpo, who then crossed the ball low for Brobbey to score from close range.
Sweden's defense struggled against Brobbey's strong play. Their attackers, Alexander Isak of Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal, had few chances.
Second Half Surge
Twelve minutes after his first goal, Brobbey made it 2-0. A deflected cross from Denzel Dumfries landed perfectly for him, and he poked it past the goalkeeper.
Sweden's coach, Graham Potter, discussed strategy with his staff as the game slipped away. During a hydration break, Potter spoke with defender Gabriel Gudmundsson, who was struggling against Dumfries and Donyell Malen.
Sweden had chances but failed to convert. Gyokeres crossed for an unmarked Yasin Ayari, who miscontrolled the ball. Gyokeres also missed a good opportunity. Both Gyokeres and Ayari had more shots, but Verbruggen made several saves.
Coach Koeman brought on Summerville for Malen at halftime. Two minutes later, Gakpo scored the third goal from close range after another low cross from Dumfries. Gakpo scored his second goal in the 54th minute, turning past a defender and firing into the bottom corner.
Elanga scored for Sweden five minutes later, racing past the Dutch defense. Summerville then scored the fifth goal for the Netherlands in the final minutes.
Sweden still has a good chance to advance to the next round. Japan and Tunisia will play later in Monterrey, Mexico. Sweden will face Japan next, while the Netherlands will play Tunisia.
