Netherlands Beats Sweden 5-1 in World Cup Group Match

Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey each scored twice as the Netherlands defeated Sweden 5-1 on Saturday at Houston Stadium. The win gave the Dutch four points from two matches and placed them atop Group F. Sweden remained on three points after the loss.

Brobbey opened the scoring in the fifth minute after exchanging passes with Gakpo and finishing from close range. Twelve minutes later Brobbey added a second goal when a deflected cross fell to him inside the box. Sweden created several chances before halftime but could not convert them. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made multiple saves to keep the clean sheet intact.

Gakpo scored twice early in the second half, first prodding in a low cross from Denzel Dumfries and later turning inside a defender to fire into the bottom corner. Crysencio Summerville added a fifth goal in stoppage time. Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden in the 59th minute with a breakaway finish, but the Dutch held on comfortably.

Nearly 69,000 spectators watched the match, many wearing orange in support of the Netherlands. Two crew members from the Artemis II lunar mission attended as VIP guests. Sweden still have a chance to advance to the knockout rounds. They next face Japan, while the Netherlands will play Tunisia.