Sweden can take positive aspects from the opportunities created throughout the match, but they will also learn from the slow start they had against a superior Dutch team, following the 5-1 defeat in the World Cup Group F game this Saturday (20), said coach Graham Potter.
Two goals in the first 17 minutes from Brian Brobbey, two more in the second half from Cody Gakpo and a late goal from Crysencio Summerville ensured a convincing victory for the Netherlands over Sweden.
The Swedes — who arrived motivated after beating Tunisia 5-1 in their debut — lost possession easily and were unable to contain the Dutch. Still, they started to create chances after the first hydration break.
“We lost to the better team, without a doubt,” Potter said. “The score was a little tough on us, but sometimes that happens in football, especially given the quality of the opponent we faced.
“We started the match badly, and that put us at a disadvantage early on, also affecting the team’s mood. After the first break, I thought we did very well. We made some adjustments that improved our performance.”
The Netherlands lead Group F with four points, while Sweden remain on three after two matches. Japan and Tunisia face each other later this Saturday (20), in Monterrey.
This makes the last game of the group stage against Japan decisive for Sweden’s plans to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament — a mission that, according to Potter, will require the team to be as efficient as the Dutch when it comes to completing the moves.
“I thought we had good opportunities and shots,” said the coach. “But they were more clinical. Their conclusions were more lethal, so to speak, while ours were not as effective, and that can happen.”
Sweden shot 16 times to the Netherlands’ ten and had more shots on target, but, with the exception of a goal from Anthony Elanga in the second half, they were unable to turn their chances into goals.
Viktor Gyökeres was Sweden’s main threat at the start of the match, with a free kick and a placed shot that required a good save from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Yasin Ayari also had the opportunity to get Sweden back into the game in the first half, but was unable to control the ball on his chest when he was face to face with the goalkeeper.
“Let’s hold on to the positives because they are there, but at the same time we need to make sure we defend better than we defended today,” concluded Potter.
