HOUSTON: The Netherlands completed a resounding 5-1 victory over Sweden in the 33rd match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Houston Stadium on Saturday.
The dominant victory has mathematically guaranteed them a place in the knockouts of the mega event.
Striker Brian Brobbey’s induction into the side paid dividends as he scored a brace, while winger Cody Gakpo stamped Dutch authority with a double later in the match. Memphis Depay netted the final goal of the night to cap off a fabulous performance.
Brobbey started the proceedings, giving his side an early lead in only the fifth minute of the game, running down the side of the field and sending it into the nets to score his second international goal.
He doubled the lead in the 17th minute, converting a low cross from Denzel Dumfries and sending it into the bottom corner.
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At halftime, the Oranje remained firmly in control, with Sweden on the receiving end.
The break did little to Sweden’s fortunes, who again came in the firing line, and this time from Codey Gakpo, who scored twice in a span of six minutes to make it 3-0.
The substitute Crysencio Summerville came on and made an immediate impact, using his quick footwork on the right side of the box and passing to Denzel Dumfries, who then sent a low cross into the area. Gakpp seized the oppurtunity and scored an easy goal in the 47th minute.
Summervile continued to impress, who glided forward and passed it to Gakpo, who rifled a low shot from an angle. This was also the 100th goal of the World Cup.
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The only highlight for Blagult was the lone goal from substitute Anthony Elanga in the 59th minute, converting a through-ball from Alexander Isak to race away from the break through Dutch defense and register the first goal for his side.
The game was long done and dusted, but Summerville ensured that his side made it a statement win. The West Ham winger latched onto a pass, drove towards the box, made space, and sent a low shot inside the post for his second goal of this World Cup.
The Netherlands will face Tunisia on 26 June in the final Group F match, while Sweden will face Japan at the same time at Dallas Stadium in Texas.
