FIFA World Cup: Brobbey and Gakpo double up as Netherlands crush Sweden to move top

FIFA World Cup: Brobbey and Gakpo double up as Netherlands crush Sweden to move top

The Netherlands moved to the top of Group F and edged within touching distance of the World Cup last 32 after a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden.

Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored twice in a dominant attacking display under Ronald Koeman.

Koeman's decision to start Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey ahead of Crysencio Summerville proved decisive, with the Netherlands immediately setting the tone in a Group F encounter played at high intensity.

Summerville had previously impressed and scored in a 2-2 draw with Japan, but began on the bench this time.

The breakthrough arrived in the 5th minute when Brobbey finished off a flowing seven-pass move that involved goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and Cody Gakpo. He doubled his tally 12 minutes later, converting a cross from Denzel Dumfries and beating Isak Hien.

Sweden briefly thought they had responded before the interval when Gustaf Lagerbielke found the net, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.

After the break, the Dutch continued to surge forward. Gakpo struck two minutes into the second half from another Dumfries delivery before adding his second in the 54th minute, this time set up by Summerville after his introduction from the bench.

Sweden's only goal came through substitute Anthony Elanga, but it did little to disrupt Dutch control. Summerville later added his own name to the scoresheet in the closing stages, underlining the depth of Koeman's attacking options.

The match also marked a tournament milestone, reaching 100 goals in just 33 games - the fastest century since 1958.

Sweden now head into their final group match against Japan needing a positive result to stand a realistic chance of progression, while the Netherlands remain firmly in command of Group F and close to qualification. 

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