The Netherlands kicked off Saturday’s fixtures in the second round of the World Cup group stage with a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden.
The Dutch took the lead early, scoring in the fifth minute. Brian Brobbey initiated the attack before responding to a pass from Cody Gakpo, slotting the ball into the net from inside the box with a single touch.
By the 17th minute, Brobbey had doubled his tally. After a cross from Denzel Dumfries and a slight deflection off the foot of Victor Lindelöf, Brobbey was left unmarked to finish from close range, putting the Netherlands firmly in control.
Following a brief pause in play midway through the first half, Sweden began to push forward and even found the net from a free-kick. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside call against the scorer, Ludwig Augustinsson Lagerbielke.
The second half saw the Netherlands extend their lead rapidly. Within the first ten minutes, Gakpo completed his own brace to make it 4-0. First, he converted a cross from Dumfries by tapping in at the far post. Moments later, Gakpo showcased his skill by beating Lagerbielke and firing a powerful shot into the near bottom corner.
Sweden managed to pull a goal back in the 59th minute. Anthony Elanga broke free from three defenders after a precise through ball from Alexander Isak and calmly rounded the goalkeeper to score.
The final nail in the coffin came in the 89th minute. Memphis Depay delivered a brilliant pass to Sam Surridge, who fired a shot from outside the box into the corner, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 win for the Netherlands. This victory was particularly significant as Sweden had previously prevented Ukraine from qualifying for the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Netherlands 5-1 Sweden (Halftime: 2-0)
Goals: Brobbey 5’ (1-0), Brobbey 17’ (2-0), Gakpo 47’ (3-0), Gakpo 54’ (4-0), Elanga 59’ (4-1), Surridge 89’ (5-1)
