It turns out Sweden do not have a monopoly on old fashioned centre forward play. They were schooled in it here by Brian Brobbey, who was brought into...
It turns out Sweden do not have a monopoly on old fashioned centre forward play. They were schooled in it here by Brian Brobbey, who was brought into the starting eleven by Ronald Koeman to give the Dutch attack a focal point and promptly made his under pressure manager resemble a tactical genius. Brobbey scored twice inside the opening 17 minutes, a display of brute strength, delicate touch and clinical finishing that left the Swedish defence resembling a set of training cones. He was impossible to handle, a proper number nine who holds the ball up, brings others into play and buries his chances. Who saw that comingThe Netherlands were equally impressive as a collective unit, devastating Sweden down both flanks and effectively ending the contest with two Cody Gakpo finishes soon after the interval. Gakpo, who has been so often shunted out wide for his country, looked liberated in a more central role. His movement was sharp, his finishing crisp, and his partnership with Brobbey already has the look of something genuinely special. Koeman, who has taken significant criticism for his team's recent performances, deserves credit for getting the balance right here. The Dutch pressed high, moved the ball quickly and exploited the space behind a Swedish defence that simply could not cope.Anthony Elanga briefly raised the temperature with a well taken consolation, a reminder that Sweden still possess individual quality even if their collective structure has gone missing. But Crysencio Summerville's excellent late goal added garnish and ensured the scoreline truly reflected the gulf in class. Summerville, who has been in electric form for his club, cut inside and curled a beauty into the far corner. It was the kind of finish that screams top level talent.So what now for Sweden They arrived with a reputation for defensive solidity and counter attacking menace, but they left looking like a side that has lost its identity. They must now be treated as an enigma. One week they look capable of mixing it with Europe's best, the next they are being taken apart by a team that was itself in crisis just a few days ago. For the Netherlands, however, the mood has swung back to optimism. This was a five star performance from a team that looked reborn. Can they sustain it That is the question that will define their campaign.
