Netherlands break WC record with Sweden thumping
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- Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1 in Houston, breaking a World Cup record for the longest unbeaten run at 14 matches — surpassing Brazil's previous mark of 13 games between 1958 and 1966
- Brian Brobbey scored a quick-fire first-half brace, becoming the ninth Dutch player to net twice in a World Cup match after managing just one goal in his prior 13 international appearances
- Cody Gakpo added two goals of his own, with substitute Crysencio Summerville completing the rout and Anthony Elanga netting Sweden's lone consolation
- The result was Sweden's heaviest World Cup defeat since a 7-1 loss to Brazil in 1950, and coach Graham Potter called the scoreline "a bit harsh" while conceding the Netherlands deserved to win
- Ronald Koeman, criticized for his substitutions in the 2-2 draw with Japan, said the performance "sends a warning message" to World Cup rivals and puts Netherlands top of Group F on four points
- Sweden face Japan and Netherlands play Tunisia on Thursday in the final group matches
Why it matters: The 5-1 result vaults Netherlands above Brazil on the all-time World Cup unbeaten list and gives Koeman cover to rotate his squad against Tunisia with group-stage momentum restored, while Sweden's worst defeat in 76 years leaves Potter's young side facing a must-win clash with Japan just to stay alive in Group F.
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