The Netherlands produced a masterful display to thrash Sweden 5-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday, delivering a powerful statement of intent after their frustrating opening draw with Japan and jumping to the top of Group F in the process.

Ronald Koeman’s side were electric from the first whistle. Brian Brobbey opened the scoring in just the fifth minute, latching onto a clever Cody Gakpo pass to finish calmly, before doubling the lead in the 17th minute by converting Denzel Dumfries’ precise cross from the right. Dumfries was outstanding throughout, recording two assists and causing Graham Potter’s Sweden side constant problems all evening.

Gakpo then made it his own personal masterclass after the break, adding a quickfire brace in the 47th and 54th minutes to effectively end the contest. Anthony Elanga, introduced as a substitute, gave Sweden brief hope with a composed finish on the counter in the 59th minute, but Crysencio Summerville — also off the bench — completed the rout in the 89th minute with a superb solo run and low drive into the corner. It was his second goal in as many World Cup games.

The result is particularly satisfying given that Sweden had arrived in Houston on the back of a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia, and the Dutch responded by handing them an identical scoreline.

With the victory, the Netherlands have now scored 100 goals in World Cup history, joining England, Argentina and Brazil in that exclusive club, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights. Koeman will be delighted. The Oranje are back.