The Netherlands produced a dominant display to beat Sweden 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F clash, moving to the top of the standings after two matches.
The Dutch responded strongly after being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening match, with coach Ronald Koeman’s side delivering the convincing victory he had demanded.
An early double from Brian Brobbey set the tone for the Netherlands. The striker, selected ahead of Memphis Depay, justified his inclusion by scoring twice within the opening 17 minutes.
Brobbey opened the scoring when he finished a move involving Cody Gakpo before doubling the lead after connecting with a cross from Denzel Dumfries.
Koeman said the team understood the importance of the fixture following the draw against Japan.
© instagram.com/onsoranje“So there was more pressure to win this match. We knew it was a must-win,” Koeman said. “But I didn’t feel any tension. As a coach, you can feel how people are working after a first match like that and what the players’ input is. Then you know things are on the right track.”
Sweden, who had entered the match full of confidence after a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their opening game, struggled to cope with the Dutch attack and frequently surrendered possession in dangerous areas.
The Netherlands extended their advantage shortly after the restart. Gakpo scored in the 47th minute and added a second seven minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.
Koeman’s substitutions also proved effective. Crysencio Summerville, introduced for the second half, played a key role in the attack and later capped the performance with a goal in the final minute.
Sweden briefly reduced the deficit in the 59th minute when substitute Anthony Elanga found the net, but the goal proved only a consolation as the Dutch remained in complete control.
Sweden coach Graham Potter admitted his side had been punished for a poor start and said there were lessons to learn from the defeat.
© instagram.com/swemnt“They hurt us in the wide areas,” Potter said. “The first goal was from a long ball we didn’t deal with very well. We got off to not a great start in the first period.
“It was one of those things we will learn a lot from. Sometimes you have to have these experiences. I didn’t think it was that kind of game, but we have to learn from it.”
Sweden created some opportunities through Viktor Gyokeres and Yasin Ayari but were unable to make them count against a disciplined Dutch defence.
Summerville completed the scoring in the closing moments, weaving his way to the edge of the penalty area before finishing neatly to seal an emphatic victory.
The result leaves the Netherlands on four points at the top of Group F, while Sweden remain on three points. Japan and Tunisia were scheduled to meet later in the day.
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