Dominant Dutch Thrash Sweden For Maiden WC…

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

The Netherlands bagged their first win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in fine style after thrashing Sweden 5-1 in Group F on Saturday evening.

Fixture: Netherlands v Sweden
Score: 5-1
Goalscorers: Brobbey (5′, 17′) Gakpo (47′, 54′),  Summerville (89′) / Elanga (59′)

The Dutch came into the clash on the back of a 2-2 draw against Japan in a game where they took the lead twice, while Sweden proved too strong for Tunisia after claiming a 5-0 win last weekend.

Coach Ronald Koeman made the decision to introduce a recognised striker for the encounter by throwing on Brian Brobbey in place of Crysencio Summerville, a decision which paid off after just five minutes when the Sunderland striker opened the scoring by turning home a cross from Cody Gakpo.

It got better for Brobbey and the Netherlands as the striker was proving to be a menace in the 18-yard area with his strength and movement in the box, as he double the advantage just before the 20-minute mark with close range finish off Denzel Dumfries’ from the right.

The Swedes, meanwhile, were not out of the contest, especially knowing how the Dutch collapsed against Japan seven days ago, with striker Viktor Gyökeres causing Virgil van Dijk and – problems as he managed to force goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into a couple fine saves.

Sweden were made to rue that miss as Koeman’s charges extended their lead shortly after the break in similar fashion to the first two goals, as Dumfries raced down the right flank before picking out Gakpo for the simple tap-in.

Gakpo went onto to complete his brace on 54 minutes with a lovely individual effort in the area, but Sweden gave themselves some hope five minutes later when Aleksander Isak sent Anthony Elanga through on goal before the latter fired past Verbruggen.

The Swedes did carve out a couple more openings as the second half went on, with Elanga providing a great attacking outlet down the flanks but the Dutch defence, lead by Virgil van Dijk, were able to thwart every opening in and around the 18-yard area.

At the other end, there was enough time for a fifth goal when substitute Summerville collected a pass from Memphis before rifling the ball home from the edge of the box, as Ronald Koeman’s charges move top of Group F with one game to play.

Key Performer:

Gakpo provided a great threat down the left flank throughout the 90 minutes, which resulted in the Dutch winger scoring two goals and registering one assist.

Next Fixtures:

Netherlands: Tunisia

Sweden: Japan

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