Netherlands thrash Sweden 5–1 as Brobbey and Gravenberch shine

Netherlands dismantle Sweden 5–1 in Houston

Your team put on a show. Five goals, a hatful of chances, and three points that send Oranje into the knockout rounds with real swagger (1). Edwin van der Sar was in the stands in Houston and made no secret of it: "Zeker fanatiek", definitely fanatical (1).

Driessen: De Jong should angle for Koeman's staff

Valentijn Driessen had a pointed suggestion for Frenkie de Jong after the Sweden win. His free advice? The midfielder is not just playing for a starting spot, he is auditioning for a role next to Ronald Koeman longer term (2). Driessen sees a future coach in him.

Van Hanegem: "The discovery of this World Cup"

Willem van Hanegem did not hold back. He called one of the Oranje performers the find of the tournament and named multiple standouts from the Sweden match (3). He also let slip which opponent he would prefer in the round of 16.

Maduro on Gravenberch: "He is so good now"

Ryan Gravenberch ran the midfield against Sweden and Hedwiges Maduro was practically purring. "Hij is nu zó goed," Maduro said, praising the Liverpool man's flair and control (4).

Huntelaar sees Brobbey catching fire

Brian Brobbey scored twice and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar took notice. "Hij was scherp en gretig", sharp and hungry (5). Two goals at a World Cup will do that for a striker's confidence.

Fan-reaktioner

Away from the Sweden result, Dutch fans on Reddit are buzzing about a bizarre training ground moment: Wout Weghorst launching a wild tackle on Lutsharel Geertruida during a Netherlands session. The clip has supporters half-laughing, half-wincing, peak Weghorst energy.