The Netherlands responded to their opening-game draw with a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden in the FIFA World Cup on Saturday, moving to the top of Group F. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice as the Dutch secured their first win of the tournament.
Brobbey and Gakpo shine in first half
Brobbey struck twice in the first half to give the Netherlands control. Gakpo added a brace after the break to seal the result. The Netherlands had opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan and needed a win to strengthen their position in the group.
Group F standings and records
The victory took the Netherlands to four points, putting them ahead of Sweden, who remain on three points. Japan and Tunisia were scheduled to face each other later on Saturday. The result also saw the Netherlands set a record for the most consecutive World Cup matches without defeat, extending the run to 14 games. Although they were eliminated by Argentina in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, that match is officially recorded as a draw because the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout.
Historic unbeaten streaks
The Dutch team's last outright World Cup defeat in regulation time came against Portugal in the round of 16 in Nuremberg in 2006. The Netherlands also extended another record, remaining unbeaten in 18 consecutive World Cup group-stage matches. Their last group-stage loss came against Belgium in 1994. However, the Dutch did not qualify for the 2002 and 2018 editions of the tournament.
100 goals milestone
The five-goal display also helped the Netherlands reach another milestone. They became only the eighth team to score 100 goals in FIFA World Cup history, joining Argentina, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany, England and Spain.
Upcoming matches
The Netherlands will conclude their Group F campaign against Tunisia in Kansas City on Thursday, while Sweden will take on Japan at Dallas Stadium on the same day.
