Netherlands hammer Sweden 5-1 to strengthen World Cup knockout hopes

Netherlands hammer Sweden 5-1 to strengthen World Cup knockout hopes
Photo: Getty Images

The Netherlands delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sweden 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup Group F match.

Brian Brobbey gave the Dutch the perfect start, scoring in the 5th minute before doubling their lead in the 17th minute to hand the Netherlands a 2-0 advantage at halftime.

The Dutch continued their dominance after the break with Cody Gakpo scoring twice in quick succession in the 47th and 54th minutes to make it 4-0.

Sweden pulled one back through Anthony Elanga in the 59th minute, but any hopes of a comeback were ended when Crysencio Summerville found the back of the net in the 89th minute to seal the emphatic victory.

The win puts the Netherlands in a strong position in Group F heading into the final round of pool matches.

The Netherlands are making their 12th FIFA World Cup appearance and are regarded as one of the strongest nations, however they have never won the tournament, having finished runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010.

Sweden are featuring in their 13th FIFA World Cup and achieved their best result in 1958 when they finished runners-up on home soil. They also reached the semi-finals in 1994.

The Netherlands will face Tunisia in their final pool match next Friday at 11am, while Sweden will take on Japan in a must-win encounter at the same time.

Meanwhile, Germany will face Ivory Coast in the next hour, Ecuador will meet Curaçao at 12pm, while Tunisia and Japan will go head-to-head at 4pm.

Stay with us for updates on the FIFA World Cup.

Source: BBC Sport

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