Netherlands vs Sweden: Winners & losers - Gakpo and Brobbey run riot

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·20 juin 2026

Netherlands vs Sweden: Winners & losers - Gakpo and Brobbey run riot

Netherlands demolished Sweden 5–1 in Houston to take control of Group F, with Brian Brobbey's early double and Cody Gakpo's two-goal second-half display dismantling Graham Potter's side. Crysencio Summerville sealed the rout late on as the Dutch turned their opening-round draw with Japan into a commanding position. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Netherlands v Sweden.

Winners

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Cody Gakpo delivered a devastating attacking display that tore Sweden apart, contributing to four of Netherlands' five goals with two strikes and an assist. His involvement began with the cross that set up Brian Brobbey's opener in the 5th minute and continued throughout as he tormented Sweden's defense from the left flank.

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Gakpo doubled his personal tally with a composed tap-in at the far post from Denzel Dumfries' low cross in the 47th minute, then showcased his finishing instincts seven minutes later. Receiving Summerville's pass inside the box, he cut inside onto his right foot and placed a shot into the bottom left corner to make it 4–0.

Gakpo also played a key role in the build-up to Summerville's late fifth goal, completing an afternoon that encapsulated Netherlands' attacking dominance. His pace, directness, and end product from the left made him unplayable, ensuring the Dutch surged to the top of Group F with four points.

Brian Brobbey (Netherlands)

Brian Brobbey vindicated Ronald Koeman's decision to start him ahead of Crysencio Summerville by scoring twice inside 17 minutes to seize control of the contest. The striker's clinical finishing gave Netherlands a commanding early lead that Sweden never recovered from.

Brobbey opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a right-footed finish from Gakpo's cross into the small area, then stretched to divert Dumfries' delivery into the bottom corner for his second. Both goals demonstrated sharp penalty-area instincts and an ability to find space between Sweden's central defenders under minimal pressure.

The brace represented Brobbey's first World Cup goals and only his second international strikes, transforming what had been a selection debate into a match-defining contribution. His early impact set the platform for Netherlands' emphatic victory before he departed in the 72nd minute with the result long secured.

Loser

Alexander Bernhardsson (Sweden)

Alexander Bernhardsson endured a torrid afternoon at right wing-back, struggling to cope with Netherlands' attacking movement and committing passing errors that disrupted Sweden's build-up play. His defensive difficulties were a recurring theme throughout the first half as the Dutch repeatedly exploited space on his flank.

Bernhardsson failed to provide the defensive solidity his position demanded as Netherlands built attacks from the opposite side before switching play. His struggles in possession and inability to track runners left Sweden's back line constantly exposed during the damaging opening period when both Brobbey goals were scored.

Graham Potter withdrew him in the 56th minute amid the carnage, and the impact was immediate—replacement Anthony Elanga scored just three minutes after entering. Bernhardsson's struggles epitomized Sweden's defensive issues in a match where they conceded as many goals as they had scored against Tunisia in their opening win.