Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 in Attacking Masterclass

The Netherlands put on a brilliant attacking display to win 5-1, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scoring twice, and Crysencio Summerville adding the fifth late on.

Sweden did get on the scoresheet through Anthony Elanga and had their moments, but this was a night where the Dutch quality and finishing really stood out from start to finish. The game had a really entertaining tempo throughout, with plenty of chances, pace, and attacking intent from both sides. For Sweden, it’s a harsh result after they beat Tunisia by the same scoreline in their opening match.

Sweden are upping the pressure now, with Anthony Elanga right in the middle of everything as they try to force another opening. There’s been a bit more intensity in their play, with a couple of quick attacks, but they still can’t quite turn it into a clear chance.

Elanga even shows a nice bit of skill, flicking the ball with the back of his heel to slip past a defender and keep the move alive, but the end product just isn’t there yet.

What a half that was. The Netherlands flew out of the blocks and raced into a 2-0 lead inside 17 minutes, both goals coming from Brian Brobbey.

But Sweden really grew into the game after the hydration break and caused plenty of problems late in the half. They even thought they had pulled one back through Gustaf Lagerbielke, but the header was ruled out for offside.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Bart Verbruggen had to be sharp again, getting down low to his right to deny Yasin Ayari and preserve the two-goal cushion.

Sweden are starting to find their rhythm now. Another really slick move sees Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak link up nicely, with Gyökeres getting the return ball and curling an effort towards the far corner.

Bart Verbruggen is alert though, getting down well to push it away and keep the Netherlands’ two-goal cushion intact.

Since the hydration break, Sweden have definitely looked the sharper side, and the tactical tweak seems to be making a real difference in how they’re getting forward.

Sweden have just had their best moment of the game so far. Alexander Isak leads a quick break and finds Viktor Gyökeres, who does really well to pick out Yasin Ayari arriving in the box.

But the finish just isn’t there, Ayari’s first touch off the chest lets him down and the ball rolls safely through to Bart Verbruggen.

A reminder there that Sweden do have something in them, even if they’ve been second best so far. They’ve now had a couple of decent attacks in quick succession.

Brian Brobbey just can’t stop scoring! It’s 2-0 to the Netherlands and he’s got both of them.

Denzel Dumfries is heavily involved again, whipping in a sharp first-time low cross from the right, and Brobbey just gets the faintest touch to guide it home. Sweden are all over the place at the back, and the Dutch are making them pay every time they go forward.

What a start this has been for the Netherlands, and especially for Brobbey.

The teams are in, and the Netherlands will line up in a 4-3-3 as they look to get their World Cup campaign moving. Bart Verbruggen starts in goal behind a back four of Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is joined by Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders, while the front three sees Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo operating around striker Brian Brobbey.

Netherlands XI (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo.

The Dutch still have plenty of firepower available from the bench, including Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst, Noa Lang and Justin Kluivert. Nathan Aké also returns as a defensive option among the substitutes.

Netherlands substitutes: Flekken, Roefs, Aké, Geertruida, Hato, Wieffer, Koopmeiners, De Roon, Til, Depay, Kluivert, Lang, Summerville, Weghorst.

One notable absentee is Quinten Timber, who misses out on the matchday squad after suffering a concussion. Kickoff is now just moments away.