World Cup: Netherlands secure first win in style | News | Official Site

Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday for their first win at this World Cup. Jorrel Hato remained on the bench.

The result moves Netherlands to the top of Group F ahead of Japan’s game against Tunisia later.

The Dutch got off to the perfect start when Brian Brobbey finished off a sweeping move inside the first five minutes.

The Sunderland striker doubled Netherlands’ lead before the midway point of the first half, getting the feintest touch on Denzel Dumfries’ deflected right-wing delivery.

Sweden grew into the game and thought they had got a goal back on the stroke of half-time, but Gustaf Lagerbielke’s header was ruled out for offside.

Just as in the first half, Netherlands started the second 45 full of intent and were again rewarded with a pair of goals in quick succession. Cody Gakpo netted them both, first with a tap-in and then a clever near-post effort.

Graham Potter’s Sweden quickly responded through Anthony Elanga, but fittingly it was the Netherlands who had the final word, sub Crysencio Summerville firing into the corner from the edge of the box with time almost up.

Netherlands play Tunisia in their final group game on Friday.