The Netherlands soared to victory on Saturday, sweeping aside Sweden 5-1 to give their World Cup campaign lift-off in Houston.Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored braces, while Crysencio Summerville added a fifth as Oranje ran riot against their Scandinavian opponents. Anthony Elanga scored a consolation goal for Sweden, who now have the unfortunate accolade of becoming the first team to have lost their second World Cup game by four goals after winning their opening match by the same margin. The result all but guarantees the Dutchs progression to the last 32, while Sweden having already picked up three points will be looking to bounce back against Japan in their final group game. Table of ContentsAn inspired changeDutch lift-off in HoustonAn inspired changeNetherlands manager Ronald Koeman raised some eyebrows with his selection, bringing in Brobbey in place of the impressive Summerville from the start in the only change from the 2-2 draw with Japan. However, the decision paid off almost instantly, with Brobbey thumping home Gakpos cross after five minutes before doubling his tally just over 10 minutes later when, at full stretch, he poked Denzel Dumfriess delivery into the far corner. With a shell-shocked Sweden desperate to get back into the game, Yasin Ayari should have done a lot better with a pin-point cross from a Viktor Gyokeres cross, before the Arsenal striker then himself drew a good stop from Bart Verbruggen.The Scandinavians, sensing a shift in momentum, thought they had halved the deficit when defender Gustaf Lagerbielke headed in Benjamin Nygrens whipped delivery, but the offside flag was up and the goal was chalked off. Dutch lift-off in HoustonHalf-time came too soon for the Swedes, and within three minutes of the restart, the Netherlands extended their advantage. From another dangerous Dumfries cross, Gakpo was on hand to fire home from a few yards out to tighten the Dutchs grip on the contest. Seven minutes later, the Liverpool forward added a second and his sides fourth following a sweeping counter attack that began with Gakpos club teammate, Alexander Isak, conceding possession high up the pitch.In Houston and with a serious problem, Sweden needed something of a miracle. Ayari lashed a fierce effort just over before they were given a glimmer of hope when Isak atoned for his earlier error by finding Elanga with a brilliant through-ball and the substitute showed electric pace before finding the net.However, no valiant Swedish comeback ever materialised. Instead, Summerville, arriving off the bench at the break having scored in the first game against Japan, added a fifth late on, finding the bottom corner after another incisive Dutch passing move to complete the rout. Topics Netherlands National Football Team Sweden men's national football team World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026 live: Germany vs Ivory Coast confirmed teams and full line ups as Die Mannschaft eye top-spot 101 GreatGoals 20th June, 2026 Netherlands lead against Sweden as Ronald Koemans one line-up change pays off 101 GreatGoals 20th June, 2026 LIVE Netherlands v Sweden: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 19th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: Netherlands vs Sweden confirmed teams and full line ups for fascinating Group F clash 101 GreatGoals 20th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 20th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 20th June, 2026
