Brian Brobbey and Ronald Koeman make Sunderland points after striker equals Ronaldo and Lukas Podolski | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey struck twice inside 17 minutes as the Netherlands swept past Sweden 5-1, capping a night that reflected Sunderland’s growing impact on his career.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 24-year-old later credited his move to Wearside for helping him rediscover form. He started for the Netherlands and strengthened his international standing.

His first-half brace carried World Cup significance. Only three players have scored a World Cup double inside the opening 17 minutes in the last 40 years, the others being Ronaldo against Costa Rica in 2002 and Lukas Podolski against Sweden in 2006.

Brobbey arrived from Ajax after a difficult final season, when goals were scarce and his confidence and condition were questioned. At the Stadium of Light he has looked sharper, stronger and more at ease, progress that has now translated to the international stage.

He said he was very happy to help the team, learned two days earlier he would start and went in full of confidence. He added he did not know exactly why, maybe a new club and new people, that he has developed well there and just tries to show it.

Koeman suggested fitness has been the major difference from Brobbey’s final spell at Ajax, noting he had not been fit there but still played. Lutsharel Geertruida and Robin Roefs were in the Dutch squad and remained unused substitutes.

Source: Sunderland Echo