<p>A victory would ‌put the Swedes - who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their opener - through to the knockout rounds in a ‌reversal of fortunes for a team that only qualified for the tournament ‌via the European playoffs.</p><p>The Dutch were undefeated in qualifying for the tournament but an unsatisfying ‌2-2 draw with Japan raised questions about whether coach Ronald Koeman got ‌his tactics right when reverting to a defensive set-up late in the match before conceding in the 89th minute.</p><p>After sometimes playing too passively against Japan, the Dutch know they require a vastly ‌improved performance against a Sweden side revitalised under English ⁠coach Graham Potter and brimming with confidence ‌after scoring their most goals in a World Cup game since 1938.</p><p>The Netherlands have dangerous ​players such as Cody Gakpo, Frenkie de Jong and Denzel Dumfries, who can provide the danger that was missing against Japan.</p><p>One concern is whether ​the Netherlands' all-time top goal-scorer Memphis Depay - who came off the bench but failed to make an impact - can shake off recent thigh trouble to offer pace ⁠and guile to break down ​a compact Sweden defence.</p><p><strong>"Memphis is almost ready,"</strong> Koeman said following the Japan match. <strong>"I can feel he's coming, and then I put him on the pitch, but we couldn't attack anymore."</strong></p><p><strong>"I'm aware that we need to play better,"</strong> he added.</p><p>Sweden enter the match ‌in Houston knowing another win puts them in a position to finish top of the group under Potter, who took over last October and guided the team to the World Cup.</p><p>Potter - who replaced a riskier attacking style with a more pragmatic system with five defenders - will also be buoyed that the duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres each scored against Tunisia and look to be firing on all cylinders.</p><p>They will play a key role in probing a Dutch backline anchored by captain Virgil van Dijk, who scored against Japan but looked less confident when ‌defending.</p><p>Yasin Ayari scored a brace for Sweden in the opener and will also give ​the Netherlands more food for thought, but it was Isak and Gyokeres ‌who posed the main threats as they both created a host of chances beyond their goals.</p><p><strong>"There were lots of positives for us in terms of stability. It was a good night to start the tournament,"</strong> Potter said. "<strong>It’s a good start but that’s all it is. We face a different opponent in ⁠the next game. Saturday is a ⁠massive game for us."</strong></p><p><strong>Follow Sweden vs Netherlands and every 2026 World Cup match on Flashscore.</strong></p>