The Netherlands almost cemented their place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup with a ruthless 5-1 win over Sweden, courtesy a brace from Brian Brobbey and a stellar second-half performance from Cody Gakpo and substitute Crysencio Summerville.
The Dutch had a dream start, breaking the deadlock after just five minutes. Cody Gakpo went down the left flank and delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box where Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey arrived to emphatically finish for his second international goal.
Brobbey made it two in the 17th minute. Denzel Dumfries whipped in a dangerous low ball to the six-yard area and the forward stretched brilliantly to poke the ball beyond the Swedish goalkeeper, in the the bottom corner.
Sweden stayed in the game even when they were behind. Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres were constantly probing the Dutch backline with their movement and pressing but lacked finishing touches. The Swedes had the feeling they had a way back into the game just before the break when Gustaf Lagerbielke headed home from Benjamin Nygren’s free-kick. But the attempt was disallowed and the Netherlands took a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Two minutes into the second half, any hopes of a Swedish revival were effectively snuffed out. Crysencio Summerville came on and made an immediate difference, dancing past defenders to play in Dumfries, whose low cross was tapped home by Gakpo at the far post for 3-0. Gakpo’s goal moved him past Johan Cruyff on the Netherlands’ all-time World Cup scoring list.
The Dutch winger scored the 100th goal of the tournament in the 54th minute to make it 4-0. Isak eventually lost possession and Summerville burst forward, sliding Gakpo through. The Liverpool star cut into the box and hammered a powerful effort inside the near post to complete his brace.
Anthony Elanga was introduced and scored for Sweden. Isak played a lovely ball through for the winger who raced clear and finished coolly past Bart Verbruggen. Elanga’s pace and direct running caused problems for the Dutch defence throughout the second half and gave Sweden’s brightest moments.
Summerville finished off a great cameo with an 89th minute goal. The winger’s sublime footwork opened up space in the area before he coolly slotted home to seal an emphatic 5-1 victory and propel the Netherlands into the Round of 32 in style.
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