The Netherlands celebrate their first victory at the World Cup against Sweden. Coach Ronald Koeman shows a golden touch when it comes to the lineup.
The Netherlands won the second group game against Sweden 5:1 (2:0). Brian Brobbey gave the Elftal the lead in the early stages (5th minute) and then added more in the first half (17th). After the break, Cody Gakpo also added a brace (47th/54th). Anthony Elanga, who had recently been substituted, shortened the score for the Swedes (59′). Crysencio Summerville scored the final point shortly before the final whistle (89′).
Brobbey scores twice for the Netherlands
Compared to the opener against Japan (2:2), the Netherlands started the game in Houston somewhat surprisingly with Brobbey from FC Sunderland instead of high-flyer Summerville. Bond coach Ronald Koeman’s decision should quickly pay off. Brobbey secured the ball in midfield, Tijjani Reijnders sent Gakpo on the left, whose sharp cross pushed Brobbey into the net from five meters.
The Swedes almost got back into the game straight away, but Bart Verbruggen was on point with Viktor Gyökeres’ tight finish (7′). But the Elftal remained the dominant team, repeatedly establishing themselves in the Swedes’ half, Reijnders was decisively blocked after a quarter of an hour.
Two minutes later the Swedes’ goal rang again: Denzel Dumfries brought the ball from the right side into the penalty area, where Brobbey was there and tipped the ball into the far corner. Despite the deficit, there was little or nothing to be seen from the Swedes on the offensive. After the 5-1 opening win against Tunisia, Gyökeres, Alexander Isak and Co. initially disappointed across the board.
Sweden comes into play after the drinking break
After the drinking break, finally a sign of life from the Scandinavians. After a long throw-in, Jesper Karlström volleyed but hit teammate Victor Lindelöf square in the face (27′). Shortly afterwards, Gyökeres crossed perfectly to Yasin Ayari, who failed to receive the ball with his chest and wasted his great chance to connect.
Sweden was now in a much better position. Isak played Gyökeres free on the left side. Verbruggen was able to safely deflect the Arsenal attacker’s shot to the side (37′). The game was now balanced, and the Netherlands also went on the offensive at times. Gakpo’s central finish didn’t pose any problems for keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt (38′). Two minutes later, Frenkie de Jong won the ball strongly against Ayari and brought Donyell Malen into position. The ex-BVB professional didn’t really know how to decide between a shot and a cross pass and missed.
Shortly before the break, Gustaf Lagerbielke headed in what was supposed to be a connection, but the assistant referee immediately had the flag up – offside. In stoppage time, Gyökere’s keeper Verbruggen forced another save with his powerful free kick from the left side. Sweden was now in control. Ayari shot to the short corner and Verbruggen was there again. Then referee Michael Oliver sent the teams into half-time – time to take a breather.
Gakpo also puts together a double pack
The second period began with a bang: Substitute Summerville fed Dumfries, who brought the ball sharply in front of the goal. Gakpo was there at the second post and pushed the ball over the line. The Swedes tried to find an answer, but were then caught off guard. Ryan Gravenberch initiated the counterattack strongly, Gakpo duped his opponent and consistently shot into the short corner on the left side – 4-0.
With the clear lead behind them, the Netherlands went into a lull for a moment. The Scandinavians countered with Isak, who sent Joker Elanga from his own half, who gave Verbruggen no chance to defend. Was there anything else for Sweden? Elanga broke through on the right side, but his cross pass was cleared.
Things calmed down a bit afterwards. Elanga repeatedly stimulated the Swedes’ game, but the now attentive Dutch defended much more consistently. Unlike in the first round, the second drinking break did not provide a push for the Swedes. The Elftal had the action under control, the Scandinavians were unable to shorten the score any further despite their best efforts. Verbruggen was able to direct Isak’s powerful shot over the crossbar. Joker Summerville set the celebrated final point with a remarkable shot from the edge of the penalty area. The injury that Summerville sustained in stoppage time caused concern. The 24-year-old was hit in the face by a knee, lay bleeding on the ground and had to be treated by doctors.
outlook
Thanks to the victory, coach Koeman’s team has four points to their name, and the Swedes with three points also have a good chance of progressing. The Netherlands continue their group final against Tunisia in Kansas City on Friday (1 a.m. CEST). Sweden will face Japan at the same time in Dallas.