Orange storm: Netherlands sweep Sweden aside 5-1

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F, the Netherlands claimed their first win of the tournament in style, thrashing group leaders Sweden 5-1. At the NRG Stadium in Houston, Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice, with Sweden's only goal coming from Alexander Isak.

The Netherlands started like a storm and went ahead early through Brobbey, a surprise pick in Ronald Koeman's XI. The Sunderland striker met a Gakpo pass inside the box in the 5th minute and finished calmly for the opener. In the 17th, again in the right place from a Denzel Dumfries cross, Brobbey added his second to make it 2-0. The first half ended with the hosts in command.

The Dutch began the second half just as quickly and stretched the lead. In the 47th, another Dumfries pass set up Cody Gakpo for 3-0. In the 54th, substitute Crysencio Summerville turned provider as Gakpo struck his second to make it 4-0 and put the game out of sight.

Outnumbered and overrun, Sweden salvaged a little pride in the 59th. Premier League goal machine Alexander Isak finished from an Anthony Elanga chance to make it 4-1, but it was only a consolation.

The Netherlands had the final word in the 89th. From substitute Memphis Depay's assist, Summerville scored the fifth to make it 5-1 and seal an emphatic win.

The numbers backed up the picture on the pitch. The Netherlands reached 2.48 expected goals (xG) to Sweden's 0.94. Although the hosts trailed 10 shots to 15, they built the gap through their efficiency, converting three big chances against one. Possession was an even 51-49, underlining how the Dutch turned few chances into many goals. The match was officiated by England's Oliver M.

With the result, the Netherlands moved to four points and into the group of teams leading the race for top spot. After their opener with Japan ended 2-2, this comprehensive win gave Koeman's side a boost in both morale and goal difference. Brobbey's display and Gakpo's two-goal night, in particular, offered encouragement for the Dutch attack going forward.

Sweden, who had topped the group after thrashing Tunisia 5-1, were rocked by a similar scoreline on this occasion. Graham Potter's side again exposed their defensive fragility and suffered their first defeat of the tournament by a heavy margin. Sweden will look for a win in their final match to keep their hopes alive.

Image: khelnow.com