The Netherlands finally made a powerful statement as World Cup contenders after crushing Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday evening. Following a patchy display in their opening draw against Japan, Ronald Koeman faced criticism for being overly cautious. However, his side produced a ruthless attacking performance to dismantle a Sweden team that had also opened their campaign with a 5-1 win over Tunisia.

Cody Gakpo was the standout performer for the Dutch. The Liverpool forward created the opener for Brian Brobbey, who doubled the lead soon after, again finishing from close range following excellent work by the energetic Denzel Dumfries. Dumfries then turned provider for Gakpo, who made it 3-0 just after the interval. The former World Cup hero added his second of the night in the 54th minute, cutting inside onto his right foot to score in his trademark style.

Sweden managed a consolation through Anthony Elanga, who latched onto a clever through-ball from Alexander Isak. But Crysencio Summerville capped off a brilliant team performance for the Oranje, sealing a result that puts them in a strong position to top their group should they defeat Tunisia in their final match.

Here are the Netherlands player ratings from their emphatic win in Texas:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Bart Verbruggen (7/10): Produced several sharp saves to help maintain a two-goal cushion before half-time. Could do little about Sweden’s only goal.

Denzel Dumfries (8/10): The Real Madrid right-back impressed with two excellent assists, setting up Brobbey and Gakpo. If he stays fit, he could be one of the tournament’s standout full-backs.

Jan Paul van Hecke (6/10): Made a crucial defensive block to deny Viktor Gyokeres a clear chance in the first half. Solid on the ball throughout.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10): A commanding performance from the captain, though he did face occasional challenges from Isak’s movement.

Micky van de Ven (4/10): The quick and versatile Tottenham Hotspur defender made a decent attacking run and nearly picked out Donyell Malen with a good cross. However, he was repeatedly exposed defensively, including being nutmegged by Elanga. Clearly uncomfortable at left-back.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch (8/10): Despite a few misplaced passes, the Liverpool midfielder maintained composure and quality throughout the match.

Frenkie de Jong (7/10): Instrumental in the team’s bright start. The Barcelona star excelled in both recovering and distributing the ball, even initiating the attack that led to Gakpo’s second goal. Substituted around the hour mark after fading slightly.

Tijjani Reijnders (6/10): Contributed to the first goal by releasing Gakpo into space but otherwise had a quiet outing and lost possession before Sweden’s goal. Substituted soon after.

Attack

Donyell Malen (4/10): The Roma winger looked dangerous on the right flank but squandered a simple assist opportunity for Brobbey’s potential hat-trick. Replaced at half-time, which proved a smart decision given Summerville’s impact.

Brian Brobbey (8/10): A dream World Cup start for the Sunderland striker, who scored twice within 17 minutes after managing just one goal in his previous 12 appearances. While both were tap-ins, his presence led the line perfectly for the Dutch attack.

Cody Gakpo (9/10): The Liverpool winger often frustrates his club fans, but he silenced critics with a masterclass display. Assisted Brobbey’s opener with a clever low cross and added two well-taken goals himself. The 27-year-old now boasts more World Cup finals goals for the Netherlands than Johan Cruyff.

Substitutes & Manager

Crysencio Summerville (8/10): Introduced at half-time and made a major impact, linking up superbly with Dumfries for the third goal, assisting Gakpo, and later scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the box. Likely to start against Tunisia.

Guus Til (6/10): Replaced Reijnders in the 59th minute and added fresh energy in midfield.

Teun Koopmeiners (6/10): The Juventus midfielder came on alongside Til and helped settle the game’s tempo.

Memphis Depay (N/A): Came on for Brobbey with under 20 minutes left and assisted Summerville’s goal with a smart pass.

Noa Lang (N/A): Entered in the final minute of regulation time.

Ronald Koeman (8/10): After facing criticism for the 2-2 draw with Japan, Koeman’s tactical decisions paid off brilliantly, notably starting Brobbey and introducing Summerville at half-time. However, persisting with Van de Ven at left-back remains a major concern.

How far can Netherlands go in this World Cup?