Leeds United players past and present went head-to-head in the World Cup overnight.
Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson endured a difficult night with Sweden as they lost 5-1 against the Netherlands.
Sweden kicked off their World Cup campaign in dream fashion last week, YEP in which they lost overnight. Gudmundsson retained his starting place for the Group F game against a Netherlands side who drew 2-2 with Japan in their opening game.
Ronald Koeman’s side came flying out the blocks at the NRG Stadium in Houston, with Brian Brobbey opening the scoring from a Cody Gakpo cross inside five minutes. The Sunderland striker then made it two on 17 minutes, this time from a Denzel Dumfries ball down Gudmundsson’s side.
Gabriel Gudmundsson struggled to keep a sharp Netherlands attack at bay.placeholder image
Gabriel Gudmundsson struggled to keep a sharp Netherlands attack at bay. | AFP via Getty Images
Sweden had chances to score before half-time and Gudmundsson played a role in two key moments, first bursting forward in typical fashion to win a free-kick that Gustaf Lagerbielke headed home, although he was offside. The Leeds man then made another great run to open up space for Yasin Ayari on the edge of the box, his shot well-saved.
Graham Potter’s side were to rue those missed chances as the Netherlands scored twice more in the second-half’s opening 10 minutes. Gakpo first tapped home another Dumfries cross down Gudmundsson’s side before rounding off a counter-attack to make it 4-0, set up the second time by former Leeds man Crysencio Summerville who was introduced at half-time.
Sweden fightback little more than a consolation
Sweden pulled one back on the hour mark when Alexander Isak played Anthony Elanga through on goal to finish, but Summerville had the final say with a neat finish from 20 yards as full-time approached. Gudmundsson was substituted in the second minute of added-time with the scoreline 5-1.
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Gudmundsson and his teammates will now have to gather themselves for an important final Group F game. The left-back will face a club-level teammate in Ao Tanaka when Sweden meet Japan on Friday, with all of the top three positions still up for grabs.
Japan beat Group F whipping boys Tunisia 4-0 overnight, with Tanaka enjoying a first start in the tournament and playing all 90 minutes. The midfielder sat out his side’s draw with the Netherlands but became the second Whites player to feature.
Sweden are currently third in the group on three points with the Netherlands and Japan each on four. This year, the top two automatically progress to the knockout stages, with third-place facing a nervous wait to learn if they are among the eight best to squeeze through.
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