Netherlands Off to Strong Start Against Sweden

An early goal in Houston!

Gakpo plays a beauty of a ball across the face of goal and striker Brian Brobbey thumps home from close range.

What a start by the Dutch.

Sweden's front two of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres looked dangerous in their opening game.

Gyokeres just won the Premier League with Arsenal, and Liverpool's Isak is the league's most expensive player.

The Netherlands have some big names as well, including Liverpool trio Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.

- AP

The Netherlands are under a considerable amount of pressure to beat Sweden after blowing two leads in its draw against Japan.

Coach Ronald Koeman faced several pointed questions about strategy after the Japan game and shot back with cryptic replies.

"In the Netherlands we always have a lot of pressure," Koeman said.

"I've spent a lot of years in football in the Netherlands as a player and a coach. Of course, there is some pressure but we're used to that. I think that as the Netherlands we always have the support of our fans and hopefully we can celebrate three points tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Sweden put on a show in its 5-1 win over Tunisia, starting its World Cup with a flourish after not qualifying in 2022.

"It's about how we perform and the mentality we have," Sweden coach Graham Potter said.

"We know that we are a work in progress and we’re improving. We have to play better against a better opponent and I think we’re ready to do that."