RismadarVoice Reporters
June 20, 2026
The Netherlands delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, sweeping aside Sweden 5–1 in a commanding Group F victory that strengthened their push towards the World Cup knockout stages.
Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey each scored twice as Ronald Koeman’s side produced one of the most emphatic wins of the tournament so far, moving to four points from two matches and taking control of their group position.
The Dutch opened the scoring early through Brobbey, who combined effectively with Gakpo before finishing from close range after a well-worked attacking move involving several Premier League-based players.
Brobbey struck again just 12 minutes later, capitalising on a deflected cross to double the lead and put Sweden under immediate pressure.
The forward, making his first start of the tournament, rewarded Koeman’s selection with a clinical display after previously scoring only once in international competition.
Sweden, meanwhile, struggled to impose themselves despite featuring several high-profile attackers. Their frontline, including Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, was largely neutralised in the opening stages as the Dutch controlled tempo and territory.
After surviving a spell of Swedish pressure late in the first half, the Netherlands extended their lead shortly after the break. Gakpo finished from close range following another dangerous cross from Denzel Dumfries, marking a third goal created in a similar attacking pattern.
Gakpo added his second goal in the 54th minute with a composed finish after cutting inside his defender and firing low into the corner, putting the result beyond doubt.
Sweden briefly responded when substitute Anthony Elanga scored with a clinical finish after breaking through the Dutch defence, offering a moment of hope for Graham Potter’s side.
However, the Netherlands restored their dominance late on when Crysencio Summerville added a fifth goal to complete the rout.
Despite the heavy defeat, Sweden created several chances throughout the match but were repeatedly denied by poor finishing and strong goalkeeping from Bart Verbruggen.
The result leaves the Netherlands top of Group F with four points, ahead of Sweden on three, with Japan and Tunisia trailing behind.
Koeman’s team now sit within touching distance of the knockout rounds, while Sweden must regroup ahead of their next fixture against Japan.
The Dutch will face Tunisia in their final group match, carrying strong momentum and growing confidence after a performance widely seen as a warning to tournament favourites.
