The Dutch team managed to impress after their setback against Japan with two assists from the Real Madrid full-back.
The Netherlands secured their first World Cup victory at Houston Stadium, defeating Sweden 5-1 in a resounding win whereย Denzel Dumfriesย was the star . Ronald Koeman’s side, who began with anย unexpected stumble against Japan (2-2)ย , redeemed themselves and thrashed a Swedish team that struggled defensively in the first half, conceding two goals. To make matters worse, the Netherlands made it 3-0 early in the second half, effectively sealing the victory. Dumfries, recently signed by Real Madrid, provided excellent assists in both the second and third half goals. The Dutch had time to add a fourth, and Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden around the hour mark, but the home side completed the rout in stoppage time.
The Netherlands couldn’t have asked for a better start to the match, as Brian Brobbey put them ahead after just five minutes. He received a brilliant through ball to launch a counter-attack , which the Sunderland striker finished perfectly, tapping the ball in with ease. The Oranje capitalized on their good spell of play to extend their lead in the 18th minute. A through ball found Dumfries, who whipped in a low, powerful cross to the near post, was met by Brobbey, who once again finished it off. The Dutch were in their element, attacking relentlessly. Their high defensive line effectively prevented Sweden from scoring. Gustaf Lagerbielke did find the net after a move down the left flank, but he was ruled offside.
With everything heavily in the Netherlands’ favor, Koeman approached the match much more relaxed than against Japan. The substitution of Brobbey as a center forward proved crucial for the Dutch, who left the first half with a brace from the striker. The first half was a complete spectacle, though it was gradually overshadowed by a considerable improvement from Sweden, but this proved to be just a mirage. Immediately after the restart, the Netherlands completely overwhelmed their opponent and, with another onslaught, scored their third goal with another assist from Dumfries . The Real Madrid defender delivered a perfect cross from Cody Gakpo, and the Liverpool player made no mistake against Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Before Graham Potter made his substitutions, the Dutch added a fourth through Gakpo, again, before Elanga pulled one back for Sweden.
The Netherlands hesitate, but win big
At times, with the score at 4-1, the Netherlands again seemed to slow the game down and play with fire, as they had against Japan, but their resounding lead proved decisive, gradually leveling the playing field. Koeman made substitutions, the hydration break further eased the pressure, and then, in stoppage time, Crysencio Summerville added the final five points, reinforcing the Dutch team’s confidence for the World Cup. They now lead their group with four points and are in a very favorable position to reach the round of 32. Sweden, meanwhile, will have to wait to qualify, although they have the advantage of having won 5-1 in their opening match against Tunisia.
Group F / World Cup 2026
1st – Netherlands: 4 points
2nd – Sweden: 3 points
3rd – Japan: 1 point (-1)
4th.- Tunnels: 0 points (-1)
Results of day 2
Netherlands 5 – 1 Sweden
Tunisia – Japan (Sunday, June 21, 6 a.m.)
