STAR SPORTS DESK

With Sweden eyeing the knockout rounds and the Netherlands desperate for a response, the NRG Stadium in Houston will play host to one of Group F’s most intriguing fixtures when the two sides meet on Saturday.

The two European sides arrive in contrasting moods. Sweden are brimming with confidence after thrashing Tunisia 5-1 in their opener, a result that marked their best goalscoring performance at a World Cup in 88 years. Another victory would secure their place in the knockout rounds and continue a remarkable turnaround under English coach Graham Potter, who took charge last October and guided the Swedes through the European playoffs to reach the tournament.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, are searching for answers after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Japan. Ronald Koeman’s side twice led in Dallas but failed to hold on, conceding an equaliser in the 89th minute after retreating into a more defensive setup.

The result raised questions about Koeman’s tactical approach and extended an unwanted record. It was the first time the Dutch had twice taken the lead in a World Cup match and failed to win.

Sweden will take encouragement from that vulnerability. Following their emphatic victory over Tunisia, the Swedes now have the chance to win their opening two group-stage matches at a World Cup for only the second time in their history. The only previous occasion came in 1958, when they hosted the tournament and went on to reach the final.

Yet history also offers a warning. Sweden have won only one of their previous seven World Cup group-stage matches against fellow European nations, although that victory came on American soil when they defeated Russia 3-1 at the 1994 tournament.

For the Netherlands, much attention will focus on Memphis Depay. The Dutch all-time leading scorer came off the bench against Japan but failed to make an impact as he continues to recover from a recent thigh problem.

This will be only the second World Cup meeting between the sides. Their first, a goalless draw in 1974, is remembered less for the result and more for the arrival of the iconic “Cruyff turn” as Dutch Total Football began to captivate the world.

**Sweden can win their opening two group-stage matches at a World Cup for only the second time; the first was in 1958, when they reached the final.

**Sweden have won only one of their previous seven World Cup group-stage matches against European opposition.