Ronald Koeman's selection raised a few eyebrows. Instead of Donyell Malen or Memphis Depay, Brian Brobbey was handed the striker role for the Dutch national team against Sweden. That faith was quickly repaid, with Brobbey finding the net in just the fifth minute.
Brian Brobbey
After expertly controlling a long ball from the back and laying it off for Tijjani Reijnders, Brobbey surged into the penalty area. The ball was then played to Gakpo, who delivered a pinpoint cross. Brobbey made no mistake with the finish, giving Oranje an early lead, and he wasn't done there.
Illustrious Company
Just over sixteen minutes had passed when he struck again. This time, the ball came from the right flank, a cross from Dumfries that he deftly tapped into the net. With these two goals, he joins an illustrious group of players, alongside names like Ronaldo (R9), Lukas Podolski, and Gary Lineker.
Few players have scored two goals in such quick succession at a World Cup. Podolski currently holds the record for the fastest brace, achieving it in 11 minutes and 35 seconds, coincidentally also against Sweden. He's followed by Brazil's Ronaldo, who took 12 minutes and 16 seconds against Costa Rica in 2002. In third place is Gary Lineker, who scored twice against Poland in 1986, needing 13 minutes and 46 seconds.
Brobbey slots in just behind them. He scored his two goals against Sweden in 16 minutes and 12 seconds, a performance that certainly vindicates Koeman's trust.
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