What: Netherlands–Sweden, Group F.
Where: Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas.
When: Saturday, kick-off 19:00, Swedish time.
TV/radio: TV4 and P4 Radiosporten.
+ Back in the US
After playing against Tunisia in Monterrey, the Blue and Yellows are now back on American soil. At Houston Stadium, just over four hours by car from Sweden's base in Frisco, the Netherlands awaits.
The arena has a capacity of 72,000 spectators, is primarily built for American football and is the home ground of the Houston Texans.
+ Position in the squad
Striker Alexander Isak did individual training during Wednesday's session, but according to press manager Petra Thorén, it was "part of extra recovery." Defender Gabriel Gudmundsson limped badly in the World Cup opener and was forced to be substituted in the second half. After the match, however, he gave reassuring news.
"I've been a little sick this week. It was quite noticeable for me... but I managed to play half the game anyway," he said, emphasizing that it wasn't an injury.
+ The starting eleven in the World Cup premiere
Kristoffer Nordfeldt – Alexander Bernhardsson, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Isak Hien, Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Gabriel Gudmundsson – Jesper Karlström, Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren – Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak.
+ World Cup premieres
Sweden won their World Cup opener against Tunisia by a whopping 5–1. Yasin Ayari scored two goals in the winning match, both from long shots. The Netherlands twice surrendered the lead against Japan and the match ended 2–2.
+ The Monster Suite
The Netherlands have not lost a World Cup match in regular time since losing to Portugal in the round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup. In the 2022 World Cup, the Netherlands lost the quarter-finals to Argentina on penalties. The national team also did not participate in the 2018 World Cup.
+ Close to the playoffs already
After the 5–1 victory against Tunisia, there is much evidence that a Swedish third place is enough to be among the eight best third-placed teams, and thus advance. Should Sweden take a point against the Netherlands, a third place in the group is largely secured. Victory against the Netherlands means advancement.
+ The squads:
Sweden:
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Stoke, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, AIK, Jacob Widell Zetterström, Derby.
Defenders: Hjalmar Ekdal, Burnley, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Leeds, Isak Hien, Atalanta, Herman Johansson, Dallas, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Braga, Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Aston Villa, Eric Smith, St Pauli, Carl Starfelt, Celta Vigo, Elliot Stroud, Mjällby, Daniel Svensson, Dortmund.
Midfielders/strikers: Taha Ali, Malmö FF, Yasin Ayari, Brighton, Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham, Alexander Bernhardsson, Kiel, Anthony Elanga, Newcastle, Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal, Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Jesper Karlström, Udinese, Gustaf Nilsson, Brugge, Benjamin Nygren, Celtic, Ken Sema, Pafos, Mattias Svanberg, Wolfsburg, Besfort Zeneli, Union St Gilloise.
National team captain: Graham Potter.
Netherlands:
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken, Bayer Leverkusen, Robin Roefs, Sunderland, Bart Verbruggen, Brighton.
Full-backs: Nathan Aké, Manchester City, Denzel Dumfries, Inter, Jorrel Hato, Chelsea, Lutsharel Geertruida, Sunderland, Micky van de Ven, Tottenham, Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, Jan Paul van Hecke, Brighton, Mats Wieffer, Brighton.
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, FC Barcelona, Marten de Roon, Atalanta, Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool, Justin Kluivert, Bournemouth, Teun Koopmeiners, Juventus, Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City, Guus Til, PSV, Quinten Timber, Olympique Marseille.
Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Sunderland, Memphis Depay, Corinthians, Cody Gakpo, Liverpool, Noa Lang, Galatasaray/Napoli, Donyell Malen, Roma, Crysencio Summerville, West Ham, Wout Weghorst, Ajax.
National team captain: Ronald Koeman
Referee: Michael Oliver, England.
