Netherlands 5-1 Sweden: result and AI prediction

AI match recap

This is a high-stakes second group match between a Netherlands side that created plenty in its opener and a Sweden side that arrive with real momentum after a statement win. The Dutch still look like the more complete possession team, but their defensive control was not convincing against Japan. Sweden’s front line is in form and well suited to attacking space quickly, which makes every Dutch turnover dangerous. The biggest swing factor is whether Netherlands can control the middle third and stop the game from becoming open and transitional.

Head-to-head analysis

The recent head-to-head sample is small but mildly favourable to Netherlands: they drew in Sweden in 2016 and won 2-0 at home in 2017. Those meetings are too old to dominate the forecast, but they do show the Dutch were able to manage this matchup in the last qualifying cycle.

Injuries and absences

If Jurrien Timber's tournament absence is confirmed, Netherlands lose an important defender for recovery runs and build-up security, which is a bad fit against Sweden's direct central threat. Sweden otherwise appear to arrive without a confirmed major absence in the available previews.

Form (last 5)

Netherlands vs Sweden stats

Last meetings

• 2017-10-10Netherlands 2-0 Sweden
• 2016-09-06Sweden 1-1 Netherlands

Other World Cup matches

• Portugal – Congo DR
• England – Croatia
• Ghana – Panama
• Uzbekistan – Colombia
• Czechia – South Africa
• Switzerland – Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Canada – Qatar
• Mexico – South Korea