The Netherlands take on Sweden in the second round of Group F games on Saturday, 20th June. On paper, this should be a cracker, and the pair both entertained in their opening fixtures. For me, it’s a clash that really stood out when the groups were drawn, so I’m excited to sit down with a beer on Saturday afternoon and enjoy this one. As ever, I’ve got a bet builder to make those beers taste a little sweeter, and it’s paying a whopping 13.23/1 with Betfred. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
TL;DR – Four Betting Picks for Netherlands vs Sweden
| Bet | Bookie | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 2.5 goals | Betfred | 10/11 | 3 |
| BTTS – Yes | Betfred | 10/11 | 2 |
| Alexander Isak – 2+ Shots on target | Betfred | 21/10 | 2 |
| Micky van de Ven – 2+ tackles | 10bet | 5/2 | 1 |
| Bet Builder | Betfred | 13.23/1 | 1 |
*Odds correct at 11:00 BST on 18/06/2026. Odds subject to change.
No Expiry Date
Bet 1: Over 2.5 Goals
A key takeaway from both teams' opening games was that they looked dangerous offensively. The Netherlands rattled in two against Japan and probably should have gone on to win if they had managed the game better.
For Sweden, well, Graham Potter has clearly given the group more freedom in the final third. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres looked sharp after less-than-convincing seasons domestically for different reasons.
One thing that worried me for the Dutch was the lack of game management. As soon as Nathan Ake came on for Ryan Gravenberch in the 81st minute, they looked vulnerable and invited pressure late on.
So, taking that into account and with two attack-minded teams, I was pretty surprised to see odds of 10/11 for over 2.5 goals. But, I’ll take that all day and twice on Tuesdays, thank you very much, for the first of my Netherlands vs Sweden betting tips.
Bet 2: Both Teams to Score – Yes
My default when picking the over 2.5 goals is to naturally head to the both teams to score market. Given that 2-1 is a much more common result than 3-0, it makes sense that there’s a correlation here, even without looking to see how plausible each result is.
Luckily, the pair seem a good match here. The Dutch controlled large parts of their 2-2 draw with Japan, but looked vulnerable at the back.
Skipper Virgil van Dijk cut a frustrated figure at times, adopting his now-signature double teapot stance, which has appeared multiple times by the centre-back throughout a dire season at club level.
We’re getting great World Cup odds here as well. Both teams to score at 10/11 looks more than generous to get involved, and get involved I will.
Bet 3: Alexander Isak 2+ Shots on Target
It’s been a rough 12 months for Alexander Isak. After forcing a move out of Newcastle, he’s been plagued with injuries, and in the few games that he has been fit enough to play, he’s looked a shadow of the player that tempted Liverpool into breaking the British transfer record.
That said, he’s been impressive in the last few games for Sweden and looked, dare I say, back to somewhere near his ruthless best in Sweden’s 5-1 demolition of Tunisia.
Two or more shots on target against the Netherlands doesn’t seem that far-fetched, and the fact that we’re getting 21/10 with the best World Cup betting sites makes it look good value.
Bet 4: Micky van de Ven 2+ Fouls
There’s an interesting match-up in prospect down the Dutch left-hand side/Swedish right.
Micky van de Ven has been shoehorned into left-back with the ball and the left side of a three, without. It’s actually given him a bit more freedom to push forward, and given that he’s quicker than a rat up a drain pipe, for large parts of their draw against Japan, it worked well.
Van de Ven is going to come up against Sweden’s Alex Bernhardsson. He will occupy the right side of a more traditional 3-4-1-2 formation, meaning he’s got freedom to get forward, but also has defensive duties.
He’s also one of the most fouled players on the Swedish side over the last 12 months, and he was fouled twice in their last game against Tunisia alone.
Going back to Micky blue eyes, and he just so happens to concede the most fouls in the Dutch squad.
Put the pair together, and we should be home and dry with van de Ven to concede two or more fouls. Odds of 5/2 look incredibly enticing and, in fact, too good to say no to. So in they go as the last pick of my Netherlands vs Sweden bet builder.
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