Japan awaits after Netherlands rout Sweden 5–1

Japan up next, Friday night

The real story now is what comes after the 5–1. Sweden face Japan on Friday in Group F, the match that will define whether this campaign has legs (2). Kick-off is 01:00 Swedish time in the early hours of June 26. The Netherlands loss stung, but the group is still open, fans know one result changes everything.

Netherlands 5–1 Sweden, Karlström: "You feel ashamed"

A brutal night. Netherlands tore Sweden apart 5–1 and Jesper Karlström did not hide from it afterwards. "Man skäms över att det är så stort resultat," he said, you feel ashamed the margin is that big (1). Graham Potter's side had firepower going forward but the defence, which Nilsson Lindelöf had already flagged after the Tunisia win, was badly exposed.

Zlatan hits back at the critics

Zlatan Ibrahimović has stepped in to defend the team publicly after the backlash (4). The specifics of what he said are not detailed, but the message is clear: Sweden do not need outside noise right now. With Japan four days away, the camp will take that backing.

Van Dijk's warning before the rout

Before the match, Virgil van Dijk had warned Sweden it would be "tufft", tough (5). He was right. The Netherlands captain led a side that looked a level above from the first whistle. Sweden fans will hope the Japan match looks nothing like this one.

Bergvall wants out of Tottenham

Lucas Bergvall has asked to leave Tottenham Hotspur (3). The Swedish midfielder is exploring options away from the club, with multiple outlets confirming he wants a new challenge (6). For Sweden supporters, his club situation matters, a move could mean regular minutes and a sharper Bergvall in the national setup.