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Gakpo, Brobbey answer Dutch call for World Cup exc...
Key takeaways
- The result is the Netherlands getting their FIFA World Cup campaign back on track and a slight easing of the pressure on Ronald Koeman, as expectations threaten to consume him.
- They were ahead twice against Japan in their Group F opener, but his substitutions contributed to a loss of initiative, territory and, eventually, the lead in a draw.
- Malen looked bright against Japan, but Sunderland striker Brobbey delivered the sort of all-action center-forward display that makes him look almost unplayable on days like this.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
The result is the Netherlands getting their FIFA World Cup campaign back on track and a slight easing of the pressure on Ronald Koeman, as expectations threaten to consume him.
Koeman's decision-making is under scrutiny. They were ahead twice against Japan in their Group F opener, but his substitutions contributed to a loss of initiative, territory and, eventually, the lead in a draw.
And so eyebrows were raised before the Netherlands' 5-1 win over Sweden on Saturday, when Crysencio Summerville, who scored an excellent goal against Japan, was left out in favor of Brobbey, with Donyell Malen shifted to the right flank in Koeman's 4-3-3 system.
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