Cody Gakpo delivered a commanding performance as the Netherlands overwhelmed Sweden 5-1 in their World Cup group match on Saturday in Houston. The Liverpool forward scored twice, bringing his tournament tally to five goals in seven World Cup appearances, and extended his international record to 23 goals in 52 matches.
Gakpo’s sharp finishing and composed presence in front of goal marked a distinct contrast to his recent club form. While he was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning 2024-25 season with 18 goals, his output declined last season to nine goals across 52 appearances. Since transferring from PSV Eindhoven to Anfield, Gakpo has totaled 50 goals in 180 games, a respectable but less prolific rate than expected following his standout displays at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored in each of the Netherlands’ group games.
When asked about his elevated performances for the national team, Gakpo attributed it to tactical freedom and the positioning dictated by the Dutch coach, hinting at differences in role and responsibility compared to his club duties.
The Dutch attack was significantly bolstered by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, who netted a brace and caused persistent problems for Sweden’s defense. Brobbey effectively used his strength and acceleration to dominate Atalanta center-back Isak Hien, contributing decisively to the early momentum. Gakpo praised Brobbey’s physicality and timing in the box, underscoring how the team exploited those strengths with swift, incisive attacks.
Prior to the tournament, concerns existed over the Netherlands’ offensive options despite a world-class defense featuring Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, and Denzel Dumfries, and midfielders such as Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, and Tijjani Reijnders. The goal-scoring responsibilities appeared uncertain given Brobbey’s modest international record before this match, Gakpo’s inconsistent club season, and other forwards’ relatively limited impact. The squad also includes Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst, and Justin Kluivert, providing additional depth.
Coach Ronald Koeman’s decision to replace Crysencio Summerville with Brobbey in the starting lineup after a 2-2 draw with Japan proved pivotal. The revamped frontline showed greater fluidity and diversity, dismantling Sweden’s defensive structure. Alongside Gakpo and Brobbey, Summerville and Depay also contributed assists, with Dumfries supporting from right-back. The Dutch players showcased speed, power, and versatility in attack, qualities that had been questioned before the tournament.
Reflecting on the match, Gakpo noted that the variation in attacking play and positional interchangeability exposed defensive vulnerabilities Sweden had previously managed to contain. He emphasized the team’s abundance of different strengths, projecting confidence in their capability to adapt and succeed as the competition progresses.