The Netherlands took control of Group F in a stellar performance on Saturday afternoon in Houston. Ronald Koeman’s men demolished Sweden 5-1, and newly signed Real Madrid defender Denzel Dumfries had a great game with two assists.
Brian Brobbey came in for Crysencio Summerville in the only change to the Oranje side that drew 2-2 with Japan in their opener, and his two goals inside the opening 17 minutes gave him the fourth-fastest brace in World Cup history.
Sweden grew into the contest and threatened
Bart Verbruggen’s goal late in the first half, but the superb Gakpo struck twice within seven minutes after the break. Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden shortly before the hour, before fellow substitute Summerville added a late fifth for Koeman’s side, who are now all but certain of a place in the knockout rounds.
Denzel Dumfries played the full 90 and grabbed two assists from an xA of 0.42. His passing accuracy sat at 82% (28/34). Defensively, he did plenty as well – eight defensive contributions, including three tackles, four headed clearances, one interception and three recoveries. He won four of seven ground duels and his only aerial duel, but got dribbled past once and committed two fouls.
