Gakpo shines as Netherlands hammer Sweden 5-1

Netherlands announced themselves as serious World Cup contenders by beating Sweden 5-1 in Houston, following a mixed opening performance against Japan that had brought criticism of Ronald Koeman's approach. This time the team produced a ruthless attacking display to dismantle a Sweden side that had begun the tournament with a 5-1 win over Tunisia.

Cody Gakpo was the standout, creating the opener for Brian Brobbey before returning the favour shortly after half-time when Denzel Dumfries set him up to make it 3-0; Gakpo then added a fourth by cutting inside onto his right foot in the 54th minute. Anthony Elanga pulled one back after latching onto a through-ball from Alexander Isak, but Crysencio Summerville sealed the victory with a low strike from the edge of the area.

Individual ratings highlighted several strong performers: Gakpo (9/10), Dumfries (8/10), Brian Brobbey (8/10) and Ryan Gravenberch (8/10). Bart Verbruggen and Virgil van Dijk earned 7/10s, while Frenkie de Jong was rated 7/10.

netherlands, sweden, world cup, cody gakpo, brian brobbey, denzel dumfries, crysencio summerville, ryan gravenberch, ronald koeman, houston