Gakpo Reminds Dutch to Beware of Isak's Threats
June 19, 2026 · Global
Cody Gakpo stressed the need for the Netherlands to be wary of Alexander Isak as they prepare to face Sweden in a crucial World Cup clash, following a disappointing draw against Japan.
Cody Gakpo warned that the Netherlands must keep a special eye on Liverpool teammate Alexander Isak when they face Sweden in a crucial Group F match on Saturday. After going behind twice in a 2-2 draw against Japan on the first day of the World Cup, Ronald Koeman's team were not at their best, while Sweden managed to beat Tunisia with a landslide score of 5-1.
Supercomputer Opta still has the Oranje as favorites to top the group, albeit with just a 40% chance, and defeat in Houston would extinguish those hopes. A result of less than three points could make the Netherlands fight for a place in the round of 32. Currently, they only experience elimination in the group phase in 10% of scenarios, and have a 90% chance of advancing to the next round.
Gakpo is aware of the importance of being aware of the threat posed by Isak, who scored one goal and provided two assists on the first day. His three goal involvements in the tournament are already the equivalent of any Swedish player at a single World Cup since Henrik Larsson in 2002 (three goals), after his first campaign at Anfield was disrupted by a broken leg which kept him out for more than four months.
"We're very happy he's back and at the end [of the season] he was fit, he scored a few goals and played well," Gakpo said of Isak. "And then, obviously, he started the tournament very well with his performance. I think everyone knows how good a player he is. We need to be wary of him."
With the Netherlands failing to start with a win in a tough group, Gakpo knows they now have little room for error. He added: "We know that we have to win the game because we want to get through the group stage. Obviously the result for Sweden is very good for them, but we have to separate that and focus on ourselves, on what we can improve."
The Netherlands have drawn their last two World Cup games, both 2-2 (also against Argentina in 2022, losing on penalties in the quarter-finals). They have only failed to win three consecutive matches in this competition once before, namely without a win for five matches between 1978 and 1990.
"In the end, we felt disappointed. We were up twice, and then you want to win the game," said Gakpo, reflecting on the match against Japan. "We have to admit that Japan is a good and tough team and took their chances well. But there is disappointment for us.
"In small spaces, Japan defended with great discipline. It might be the same against Sweden, but their organization might be a little different. We will analyze that tomorrow and then make a plan to create lots of chances."