NewsWorld Cup: Cody Gakpo scores twice as Reds meet in Netherlands v Sweden
Cody Gakpo starred with two goals and an assist as the Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1 at the World Cup on Saturday.
Four Liverpool players began the Group F clash in Houston.
Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk represented the Dutch against Alexander Isak in opposition.
Gakpo’s precise low cross created a fifth-minute opener for Brian Brobbey, who soon doubled his nation’s lead from close range.
The Reds forward added a third for the Netherlands early in the second half by nudging in Denzel Dumfries’ delivery from yards out.
And Gakpo then bagged his second on 55 minutes, moving in from the left corner of the area and clinically dispatching the ball inside the near post.
In response, Isak supplied an assist with a through ball for Anthony Elanga to strike a consolation prior to the hour mark.
Crysencio Summerville restored a four-goal cushion on the scoreline with a crisp hit from 20 yards near the end.
The Netherlands and Sweden will play their final group-stage matches next week, against Tunisia and Japan respectively.