Netherlands 5 – 1 Sweden

Netherlands took a huge step towards the World Cup knockout stages with a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden in Group F, inspired by brilliant doubles from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo.

Ronald Koeman’s side, held to a draw by Japan in their opening fixture, produced a ruthless attacking display to move on to four points and put qualification firmly within their grasp. Sweden, who had thrashed Tunisia in their opener, were unable to cope with the Dutch firepower and were left with only a late consolation from Anthony Elanga.

Brobbey seized his opportunity on the biggest stage, announcing himself with two close-range finishes to put the Oranje in complete control. The Sunderland striker’s movement and physical presence caused Sweden constant problems.

Any hopes of a Swedish comeback were extinguished shortly after the break when Gakpo took centre stage.

The Liverpool forward struck twice in quick succession to turn an already comfortable lead into a rout, continuing his outstanding World Cup record. His double took him to five World Cup group-stage goals for Netherlands, drawing level with Robin van Persie as the country’s most prolific scorer in the competition’s group phase.

Elanga eventually pulled one back for Sweden, but it proved nothing more than a consolation as Crysencio Summerville, who came on at half-time, wrapped things up for the Dutch.

The key moments from Houston…

• 5: GOAL! Brobbey rewards Koeman’s faith by tapping home the opener from close range.

• 17: GOAL! Brobbey is there again from a cross from the right this time to slide home a deadly double.

• 27: Sweden boss Graham Potter uses the hydration break to switch his system.

• 45+1: GOAL RULED OUT! Gustaf Lagerbielke heads home a set-piece for Sweden but is flagged offside.

• 47: GOAL! Gakpo is there to sweep home another dangerous cross from the right.

• 54: GOAL! Cutting off the left this time, Gakpo finds a clinical finish to double his tally.

• 59: GOAL! Alexander Isak sends through Elanga in behind Virgil van Dijk and he finishes in ruthless fashion.

• 89: GOAL! Summerville caps a fine performance from the bench with his second goal of the tournament.

What the result means…