Netherlands face Sweden in Houston with Group E lead at stake

After an entertaining 2-2 draw with Japan, the Netherlands go into Saturday’s match against Sweden in Houston knowing they must win to finish first in Group E. Ronald Koeman kept faith with Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo in attack despite criticism, but shifted Roma star Donyell Malen to the wing and started Brian Brobbey up front. All-time Netherlands scoring leader Memphis Depay is again on the bench.

Sweden arrive full of confidence after a convincing 5-1 win over Tunisia in their opening game. A second straight victory would put Graham Potter’s side very close to securing the group lead, with attention once more on the strike duo of Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak.

The match is being played at NRG Stadium in Houston and is officiated by England’s Michael Oliver. The Netherlands line up in a 4-3-3 under Koeman, with Bart Verbruggen in goal, Denzel Dumfries, Jan van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk and Micky van de Ven across the back, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders in midfield, and Malen, Brobbey and Gakpo in attack.

Sweden’s 3-5-2 features Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Andreas Hien, Victor Lindelof, Anton Bernhardsson, Bejram Nygren, Jens Cajuste, Yasin Ayari, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Isak and Gyokeres. In the group table, Sweden lead with three points and a 5-1 goal difference, while the Netherlands and Japan each have one point from their 2-2 draw. The final Group E fixtures are set for June 26 at 2:00 am, with Japan facing Sweden and Tunisia meeting the Netherlands.