The Netherlands dismantled Sweden 5-1 in Houston as Ronald Koeman’s side controlled long spells of the World Cup contest and punished Sweden with speed, movement and relentless attacking pressure. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both struck twice before substitute Crysencio Summerville capped the display late on.
Koeman’s decision to start Brobbey ahead of Summerville shaped the match within minutes. The Sunderland striker gave Sweden immediate problems through his strength and movement. He held defenders off, linked play and attacked space behind the back line.
The opening goal arrived after six minutes. Brobbey laid the ball off to Gakpo, continued his run and met the return ball inside the area to finish. Eleven minutes later he struck again. Denzel Dumfries drove another dangerous low cross into the six-yard box and Brobbey stretched to turn the ball home.
The Dutch overwhelmed Sweden during the opening half-hour. Dumfries repeatedly found space down the right while Frenkie de Jong drove the tempo in midfield. The Netherlands moved the ball quickly and forced Sweden to retreat deeper and deeper.
Sweden looked beaten early but gradually settled after the hydration break. Alexander Isak started drifting into wider positions and created problems. Viktor Gyokeres found spaces between the lines and Ayari squandered Sweden’s first clear opening. Gustaf Lagerbielke also thought he had cut the deficit before the interval, but the offside flag ruled his header out.
Any Swedish momentum disappeared seconds after the restart. Dumfries attacked the right flank again and drilled another ball across goal. Gakpo arrived to make it 3-0.
Sweden still carried danger in transition. Anthony Elanga produced the moment of the match for his side. The Newcastle winger beat Micky van de Ven with a sharp turn and a burst of pace before finishing well for 4-1.
The Dutch never lost control. Brobbey and Gakpo chased hat-tricks as Sweden’s defence continued to struggle with runners in wide areas and movement inside the box.
Summerville finished the job in the closing stages with a strike from distance as the Netherlands underlined their authority with their strongest display of the tournament so far.
