Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren nearly connected with former Parkhead centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke to pull Sweden back into their World Cup match against the Netherlands, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside in a 5-1 defeat in Houston.
The Dutch were already leading, thanks to two goals from Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, when Nygren delivered a free-kick intended for Lagerbielke, who now plays for Braga, to head home just before halftime.
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However, the goal was disallowed, and Cody Gakpo, a winger for Liverpool, scored twice in the second half. Shortly after Nygren was substituted, Newcastle United’s Anthony Elanga managed to pull one back for Sweden.
West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville then restored the Dutch’s four-goal lead, leaving Sweden unable to secure the point that might have guaranteed their place in the knockout stages.
The Swedes had started the tournament strong, scoring the same number of goals in a win against Tunisia, and they managed 20 attempts on goal against the Netherlands, with nine of those being on target.
Despite the disappointment, head coach Graham Potter expressed confidence that the team will learn from this experience as they prepare for their final Group F match against Japan.