Netherlands face Sweden after opening draw with Japan
Netherlands face Sweden in Houston on Saturday knowing victory could significantly strengthen their position in Group F after being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their tournament opener.
Ronald Koeman's side twice led against the Samurai Blue but were unable to see the match out, leaving the Dutch with ground to make up on the early pacesetters in the group.
The Netherlands have reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the last three World Cups they have contested and arrived in North America with ambitions of mounting another deep run, but a second consecutive match without victory would leave their qualification hopes under increasing pressure.
Sweden, however, made a statement in their opening match, brushing aside Tunisia 5-1.
Graham Potter's side were among the standout performers of the opening round, producing an attacking display that immediately established them as serious contenders to progress from the group.
The Swedes missed out on the 2022 World Cup but have made an impressive return to the global stage and another positive result would leave Sweden well placed heading into their final group match against Japan.
The nations have met 25 times previously, with the Netherlands holding the edge in the head-to-head record. Their only World Cup meeting, however, ended goalless in 1974.
With Japan and Tunisia still to come in the group, both sides will be eager to avoid a setback in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive sections of the tournament.
Netherlands predicted lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Sweden predicted lineup:
Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Bernhardsson, Nygren, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Isak, Gyokeres
