Netherlands 5–1 Sweden: Brobbey and Gakpo braces sink the Swedes in Houston
The Netherlands stormed to the top of Group F with a commanding 5-1 win over Sweden in Houston, powered by braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo. Brobbey, preferred up front by Ronald Koeman, struck twice inside the opening 17 minutes to put the Dutch in firm control and register one of the fastest braces in World Cup history.
Sweden had a Gustaf Lagerbielke header ruled out for offside late in the first half, and the game turned decisively early in the second period as Gakpo netted twice within the first 10 minutes after the restart, the first laid on by Denzel Dumfries. Anthony Elanga pulled a goal back for Graham Potter's side just before the hour mark, but it proved only a consolation.
Crysencio Summerville completed the rout with a late goal in the 89th minute, capping a five-star Dutch display. It was Sweden's heaviest World Cup defeat in decades and lifted the Netherlands to the summit of the group.
Key moments
- •Brian Brobbey scored twice inside the first 17 minutes to set the Netherlands on their way.
- •Cody Gakpo struck twice early in the second half, the first assisted by Denzel Dumfries.
- •Anthony Elanga grabbed a consolation for Sweden just before the hour.
- •Sweden had a Gustaf Lagerbielke header disallowed for offside at the end of the first half.
- •Crysencio Summerville rounded off the scoring late to seal a 5-1 win and top spot in Group F.
Timeline
Match facts
- Houston
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- Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.