Netherlands were the superior side across all 90 minutes at a sweltering NRG Stadium, but Sweden's world-class striker Viktor Gyökeres ensured this was no stroll. The Oranje opened the scoring through Cody Gakpo's clinical finish after a slick one-two with Tijjani Reijnders split Sweden's high defensive line. Sweden responded with their one genuine moment of brilliance: Alexander Isak threaded a perfectly weighted through-ball for Gyökeres, who dinked coolly over Verbruggen to level at 1-1. That equaliser threatened to destabilise the Dutch, but Virgil van Dijk — imperious all evening — restored the lead with a thunderous header from Koopmeiners' corner early in the second half. With Sweden forced to push forward, Donyell Malen (introduced at half-time for the cautious Weghorst) punished the stretched backline on the break, finishing low into the far corner to seal a comfortable Group F victory.

• Gakpo was involved in 2 goals (1 scored, 1 assisted) — a constant menace down the left channel.
• Gyökeres' equaliser was Sweden's only shot on target in the first half, underlining their counter-attacking threat.
• Van Dijk's towering header at 57' proved the decisive swing moment — his 8th international goal from set pieces.
• Netherlands won the xG battle convincingly (2.71 vs 1.18), reflecting sustained territorial dominance.
• Sweden's high press was effective for 25 minutes but faded badly after Hien's booking forced a deeper shape.
• Reijnders completed 94 touches — the most of any outfield player — dictating tempo from deep midfield.