Brian Brobbey scored twice in the opening 17 minutes as the Netherlands crushed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup 2026 qualifier, with Cody Gakpo also netting a double. The victory at a packed stadium lifted the pressure on manager Ronald Koeman, who had criticized his own substitutions after a 2-2 draw with Japan days earlier.
Brobbey's early dominance sets tone
Brobbey, brought into the starting lineup to provide a focal point, proved unplayable with his strength and finishing. He opened the scoring in the 5th minute, combining with Tijjani Reijnders to switch play to Cody Gakpo, whose cross was met by Brobbey at the near post. Just 12 minutes later, he tapped in from a Denzel Dumfries cross to make it 2-0. The double doubled his international goal tally, which had stood at one before this match.
“The quality was great,” Koeman said. “If you look at the number of goals we scored, it will create fear among other teams.”
Sweden fight back but Netherlands respond
Sweden, who had beaten Tunisia 5-1 in their opener, struggled to contain the Dutch attack. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak tested goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen three times before halftime, and Yasin Ayari forced a smart save, but the Netherlands struck again immediately after the restart. Crysencio Summerville, introduced at halftime, twisted past defenders to set up Dumfries for another cross, which Gakpo converted from close range in the 48th minute.
Gakpo added his second in the 55th minute, a low drive from 20 yards after a pass from Summerville. Sweden pulled one back through Anthony Elanga, who finished after Isak’s pass, but Summerville sealed the rout with a precise finish from a similar position to Gakpo’s second.
Potter admits harsh lesson
Sweden manager Graham Potter acknowledged the scoreline was harsh but fair. “The Netherlands played well and deserved to win,” he said. “It was a big game, a big occasion for a young developing team.” He noted that his side had to change their plan after being hit early. Sweden must now beat Japan in their final group game to avoid elimination. “Sometimes you have to grow to learn these things,” Potter added.
The Netherlands’ win puts them in a strong position in the group, while Sweden face a decisive match that Potter described as a “knockout tie.”
