The Netherlands national team achieved one of the most convincing victories of the second round of the World Cup, thrashing Sweden 5:1. After a draw in the first match, Ronald Koeman's team significantly improved their position in the fight for a place in the knockout stage.
The Netherlands national team left no chances for Sweden in the Group F match of the World Cup, scoring five goals and achieving their first victory in the tournament.
The fate of the match was largely decided early on. The main hero of the opening segment was Brian Brobbey, who scored twice by the 17th minute. First, the forward finished off a pass from Cody Gakpo and sent the ball into the empty net, and then, after a cross from Denzel Dumfries, he accurately shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
Sweden could have reduced the deficit before the break when Gustav Lagerbielke sent the ball into the net after a free-kick, but the referees called offside.
After the break, the Dutch finally settled the questions about the winner. In the 47th minute, Gakpo made it 3:0, and a few minutes later, he scored a double after a pass from Krisenio Summerville.
The Swedes managed to respond, though. Substitute Anthony Elanga took advantage of a pass from Alexander Isak just a minute after coming onto the field, outran the defenders, and skillfully outplayed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
However, the Swedish team could not do more than that.
Summerville put the finishing touch on the match, concluding a counterattack with an accurate shot in the 89th minute and establishing the final score — 5:1.
What is important to know: both teams approached the match after productive first rounds. Sweden had previously thrashed Tunisia 5:1, while the Netherlands dropped points in a game against Japan, which ended in a 2:2 draw. Therefore, the victory was particularly important for the Dutch.
It is worth noting the contribution of Liverpool players. While Alexander Isak was one of the main heroes of the Swedish team in the first round, this time Cody Gakpo played a key role, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
After two rounds, the Netherlands significantly improved their chances of advancing to the knockout stage, while Sweden will have to fight for a spot in the next stage in the final match of the group stage.
The battle in Group F will continue later with the match between Tunisia and Japan, which could seriously affect the standings before the final round.
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