The Netherlands crush Sweden 4-0 in World Cup qualifier: Cody Gakpo surpasses Johan Cruyff’s record
The Netherlands completed a dominant 4-0 victory over Sweden in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday night, with Cody Gakpo etching his name into Dutch football history by scoring his 47th goal for the national team. The strike surpassed Johan Cruyff’s long-standing record of 46 goals, cementing Gakpo’s legacy as one of the country’s all-time greats.
The match, played at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, saw the Dutch side control possession from the outset, with UEFA Euro 2024 qualification on the line. Gakpo’s first goal came in the 12th minute, a clinical finish after a swift counterattack that exposed Swedish defensive vulnerabilities.
Sweden, who had won their opening two qualifiers, struggled to contain the Dutch midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Xavi Simons, and Berkay Sancak, who dictated the tempo throughout.
Gakpo’s historic moment: How he broke Cruyff’s record
Gakpo’s milestone goal came in the 78th minute, when he rounded Swedish goalkeeper Anton Karlsson with a low shot from 12 yards. The striker, who has been in scintillating form for both PSV Eindhoven and the national team this season, celebrated by pointing to the sky—a nod to his faith and the magnitude of the occasion.
“This is a dream come true. Johan Cruyff is a legend, and to surpass his record is something I’ll never forget. But tonight, it’s about the team—we played with heart, and that’s what matters.”
— Cody Gakpo, after scoring his 47th goal for the Netherlands
(Dutch Football Association statement)
Gakpo’s goal was the 47th of his career for Oranje, breaking Cruyff’s record of 46 goals in 48 appearances. The former Ajax and Chelsea forward, who has been a mainstay of the Dutch side since 2017, now stands alone at the top of the all-time scoring charts for the national team.
Key statistical comparison: While Cruyff scored his 46 goals in 48 appearances (an average of 0.96 goals per game), Gakpo achieved his milestone in just 58 caps (0.81 goals per game). However, Gakpo’s goals have come in a more competitive era, with the Netherlands frequently facing top-tier opposition in qualifiers and friendlies.
Gakpo’s goals for the Netherlands by competition:
- Qualifiers: 28 goals (in 34 appearances)
- Friendlies: 12 goals (in 15 appearances)
- Major tournaments: 7 goals (in 9 appearances)
Tactical breakdown: How the Netherlands dominated
Under head coach Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands employed a 4-3-3 formation with a high pressing game that Sweden struggled to counter. The Dutch midfield, featuring Gravenberch, Simons, and Sancak, was the engine of the attack, creating 14 chances according to UEFA’s official match report.
Sweden, who had won their first two qualifiers against England and Georgia, were forced into a defensive shape early. Their midfield duo of Emil Roback and Victor Lindelof was overrun by Dutch wingers Memphis Depay and Steven Berghuis, who combined for three assists.
Source: UEFA Match Centre
What this means for the 2026 World Cup
The Netherlands now sit top of Group J with 19 points from six matches, having won their last five qualifiers. Sweden, who had been in second place, now face a tough road ahead with just three points from their last three games.
For the Dutch, this victory secures a place in the play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face either England or Italy in the final play-off round. The play-offs will determine the final two European spots for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Sweden, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in their remaining qualifiers against Poland and Albania. Their next match, against Poland on November 17, will be crucial if they hope to avoid missing out on the Euro 2024 play-offs.
Reaction from the Dutch camp
Manager Ronald Koeman praised his team’s resilience and Gakpo’s historic achievement, while the striker himself remained humble in his post-match press conference.
“Cody is a special player. He’s been consistent for years, and tonight he did something no one else has done. But what matters is that we played as a team. This is just the beginning for us.”
— Ronald Koeman, Dutch national team manager
(Dutch Football Association press conference)
Gakpo, who has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, dismissed talk of a transfer, focusing instead on his national team duties.
“I’m here for the national team. We have big goals, and I want to help us qualify for the World Cup. The rest will take care of itself.”
— Cody Gakpo, after the match
(Dutch Football Association statement)
Looking ahead: Netherlands’ next steps
The Dutch will now look to maintain their momentum in their final two qualifiers of the campaign. Their next match is a home fixture against Poland on November 17, followed by an away trip to Albania on November 20.
If they win both matches, the Netherlands will top their group with 28 points, ensuring a comfortable path to the play-offs. Sweden, meanwhile, will need to win both remaining games to have any chance of securing a play-off spot.
Key Takeaways:
- Cody Gakpo broke Johan Cruyff’s record with his 47th goal for the Netherlands in a 4-0 win over Sweden.
- The Netherlands now lead Group J with 19 points and are on course for the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
- Sweden’s form has taken a hit after the defeat, with just three points from their last three qualifiers.
- Ronald Koeman’s side will look to maintain their dominance in their final two group matches.
Next Match: Netherlands vs. Poland – November 17, 2023 (20:45 UTC) at Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam.
For live updates on the Netherlands’ World Cup qualification campaign, follow Dutch Football Association and UEFA’s official Euro 2024 qualifier page. Share your thoughts on Gakpo’s historic moment and the Netherlands’ chances in the comments below.
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