Image Credits: Imago Images
Cody Gakpo scored two goals and provided an assist as the Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup Group F clash in Houston on Saturday.
Four Liverpool players started the match. Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk featured for the Netherlands, while Alexander Isak led the attack for Sweden.
Gakpo set up Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey for the opener inside five minutes, before Brobbey doubled the lead shortly after.
The Liverpool forward then added a third early in the second half, finishing from close range after a Denzel Dumfries delivery, before scoring his second on 55 minutes with a clinical finish inside the near post.
Sweden pulled one back through Anthony Elanga, assisted by Isak, but Crysencio Summerville restored the four-goal cushion with a strike from distance late on. The Netherlands will face Tunisia in their final group game, while Sweden take on Japan.
Virgil van Dijk has provided reassurance after the match, saying he expects no lasting issues following a hip knock that briefly affected sensation in his upper leg during the game.
“I took a hard hit to my hip and I couldn’t feel my upper leg anymore, so that was a little bit crazy,” he told NOS, per GOAL. “But it was probably just a pinched nerve. I think it is not too bad, but we will see shortly.”
The Netherlandsare not yet guaranteed a place in the round of 32, although even a defeat to Tunisia would likely be enough to see them progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
It means Virgil van Dijk is expected to start again, with Ronald Koeman continuing to rely on the Liverpool captain to lead the side in the United States.
At club level, Liverpoolwill closely monitor his situation, with incoming head coach Andoni Iraola also set to factor the defender into his plans for his first season at Anfield.
Van Dijk could be among the last Liverpool players to return for pre-season due to his international commitments, with squads expected to be given extended breaks after the tournament. No Liverpool player is currently at risk of a group-stage exit, with several top nations already well placed to progress.
The first knockout round is scheduled for June 28 to July 3, and with players likely to receive a three-week break after elimination, the earliest return date would be around July 20.
Liverpool are also expected to be in the United States by then for a pre-season tour under Iraola, featuring three friendlies.
The schedule includes a clash with Sunderland in Nashville on July 25, followed by games against Wrexham in New York on July 30 and Leeds in Chicago on August 2.