Cody Gakpo delivered another standout World Cup performance as the Netherlands dismantled Sweden 5-1, further highlighting the contrast between his international brilliance and recent struggles at club level with Liverpool F.C..
The Dutch forward was instrumental in the emphatic victory, scoring twice and helping his side produce one of the tournament’s most convincing attacking displays. His first goal arrived in the 54th minute when he collected possession on the left edge of the penalty area, cut inside onto his stronger right foot and fired a precise shot beyond Swedish goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt.
The strike continued Gakpo’s impressive World Cup record, taking his tally to five goals in seven matches on football’s biggest stage. He has now scored 23 goals in 52 appearances for the Netherlands, maintaining a remarkable scoring rate for his national team.
While Gakpo played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign in 2024-25 with 18 goals, his form dipped significantly last season, managing just nine goals in 52 appearances. Since joining Liverpool from PSV, he has scored 50 goals in 180 matches, respectable numbers but short of the expectations generated by his early World Cup heroics.
Speaking after the match, Gakpo hinted that differences in his role may explain the contrast between his club and international performances. He suggested the freedom he enjoys with the national team allows him to express himself differently compared to his responsibilities at Liverpool.
Another star of the match was Brian Brobbey, who produced a dominant display against Sweden’s defence. The striker scored twice and consistently troubled defender Isak Hien with his strength, movement and hold-up play.
Gakpo praised his teammate’s contribution, highlighting Brobbey’s physical presence and ability to create opportunities in dangerous areas. He credited the striker’s qualities for helping the Netherlands exploit Sweden’s defensive weaknesses throughout the contest.
Before the tournament, many observers questioned whether the Dutch possessed enough attacking firepower despite boasting a world-class defence led by Virgil van Dijk and a talented midfield featuring Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders.
However, coach Ronald Koeman appears to have found the right attacking formula after introducing Brobbey into the starting lineup following the team’s 2-2 draw with Japan. The result was a fluid and dynamic forward line that overwhelmed Sweden.
Brobbey and Gakpo each scored twice, while Crysencio Summerville added another goal. Gakpo, Summerville and substitute Memphis Depay all contributed assists, while attacking right-back Denzel Dumfries registered two assists of his own.
Reflecting on the performance, Gakpo emphasized the variety of attacking options available to the Netherlands. He pointed to the squad’s combination of pace, physical strength and technical quality, while also noting the depth provided by players such as Justin Kluivert and Wout Weghorst.
The victory not only strengthened the Netherlands’ World Cup ambitions but also served as another reminder of Gakpo’s ability to perform on the biggest stage. As the tournament progresses, the Dutch will hope their star forward can continue delivering the kind of displays that have made him one of the competition’s most effective attacking players.
