Brobbey, Gakpo double delight as slick Netherlands dismantle Sweden

HOUSTON: An early double from Brian Brobbey, two more in the second half for Cody Gakpo and a late goal from Crysencio Summerville helped the Netherlands cruise to an impressive 5-1 win over Sweden at the World Cup on Saturday. The Dutch delivered the performance coach Ronald Koeman had demanded after conceding near the end of regulation in a disappointing opening 2-2 draw against Japan and underlining ‌the team’s ‌credentials as among the favorites to go far in ‌the ⁠tournament. Brobbey — chosen ⁠ahead of record scorer Memphis Depay — repaid Koeman’s faith with two goals in the opening 17 minutes to give the Dutch the early initiative and another two from Cody Gakpo in a seven-minute spell after the break put the match out of reach. His first came when he flicked the ball to Tijjani Reijnders who found Gakpo racing down the left ⁠flank to set up the Sunderland striker for a ‌tap-in.