Netherlands’ attacking masterclass and Japan’s clinical dominance defined a goal-heavy round, as tactical shifts and individual brilliance left Sweden reeling and Tunisia desperate for a new identity.
Group F has continued to deliver games full of drama and, more importantly, entertainment, even if the one-sided scorelines do not represent that.
The first fixture delivered one of the games of the tournament. Brian Brobbey supercharged the Netherlands to a 5-1 victory over Sweden. However, missed opportunities from the Swedes cost them the chance to score three or four more of their own.
In the second fixture, Japan smashed Tunisia 4-0. The Eagles of Carthage looked devoid of any confidence or rhythm, whereas Japan seemed electric even without one of their talismanic figures, Takefusa Kubo.
Here are five things we learnt from the secnd round of fixtures in Group F.
#1 - Some of the best attacking systems
After nine goals were scored in the first round of fixtures, it would be easy to think that it would be a one-off. But in the second round, another nine goals were scored, cementing the fact that this group has some of the best attacking systems in the tournament, except Tunisia.
Most notably in the Netherlands vs Sweden fixture, there were 33 shots overall, with 21 going to Sweden even though they lost. In almost every attack, it looked like there was going to be another attack.
One thing that has separated this group from every other is the fact that every team aims to play with lightning-fast and very direct transitions. This makes it almost basketball-esque and very end-to-end.
#While they have not been tested by elite defensive sides, one thing is for sure: each team is capable of scoring its way out of trouble or at least creating opportunities for itself.
#2 - Summerville is vital to the Netherlands
All the plaudits will head Brian Brobbey's way and that is fully deserved. The striker completly changed the way the Oranje played previously against Japan. His all-round play as well as the way he bullied the Swedish defence proved too much.
However, Crysensio Summerville also deserves equal credit for the way he changed the game with his second-half introduction. Especially since, after the first hydration break, Sweden began to dominate proceedings and put the Netherlands under a lot of pressure. At half-time, it was only 2-0, meaning there was a chance Graham Potter's side could come back.
The West Ham winger made a vital impact to put the game to bed. His trickery helped Dumfries set up the goal to make it 3-0, and he also registered another brilliant goal and assist himself to take the Netherlands' goal tally up to five.
His explosiveness, willingness to take risks and be direct is what set him apart, as he is always looking to make things happen. His form on the right could be vital, especially in games where they play a compact defence and need magic to come from a player.
#3 - Sweden needs to rethink their system
Sweden having a leaky defence is not something new. They have not kept a clean sheet since June 2025, so it's something that we come to expect.
It was the manner in which they conceded goals against the Netherlands which was ultimately what was concerning. Brobbey was able to single-handedly take on Sweden's three-at-the-back, but that was not the worst part.
In a back five, you expect to shut off any danger from the wide areas with the two wide centre-backs, as well as wing-backs being able to stifle any threats. However, this was exactly the spaces that caused Sweden a heap of trouble.
It was more often than not a simple, direct attack to either the winger or overlapping full back on either side, who sent a low cross in that someone could tap in.
Ultimately, the players do not look comfortable in that shape. Perhaps a change to a more compact four at the back could be an option, as when they switched to it in-game, they, for a short while, looked better.
#4 - Fluidity of Japan
The versatility and fluidity of Japan's style of play have been well-documented, but more so about how they are able to adapt to their opponents.
However, one thing that jumped out against Tunisia was how each player could drift to different positions, and this is something that requires high football IQ. The fact that every player was able to understand this movement makes them a dangerous force.
For example, for the first goal, Ayase Ueda, who is more of a poacher-style striker, picked up the ball on the right wing and played a ball over the top to his players.
Midfielders were often in wide areas, and their wide men often filled in those spaces. It was this kind of movement that made it look like they had double the amount of players than Tunisia.
#5 - Zero cohesion for Tunisia
This campaign by Tunisia could arguably go down as one of the worst in the modern history of the World Cup.
We have seen so many smaller footballing nations like Cape Verde, DR Congo and Curacao pull off some of the best results of the tournament so far. One thing that has been clear for all the sides is the cohesion they have.
When you watch them, they look like a group of players who are willing to fight for each other and be a proper team. Other than Hannibal Mejbri, no other player looked like they were in a position to at least cause problems for Japan, let alone score a goal.
Ultimately, with the chaos surrounding the sacking of a manager, there may be more things behind the scenes that need sorting before they are ready to compete again.
