Ref watch: Three mistakes Michael Oliver made in Netherlands vs Sweden, including Viktor Gyokeres moment

Michael Oliver was in charge as the Netherlands smashed Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday to take a big step into the World Cup round of 32.

Goals from Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville cancelled out Anthony Elanga's consolation, which came far too late for the Swedes.

An early brace from the Sunderland striker got the number eight-ranked nation off to the perfect start, and Gakpo got a double of his own shortly after the break.

Elanga endured a difficult season for Newcastle United, but the winger was electric off the bench and provided a glint of hope for Sweden with a superb strike.

But half-time substitution Summerville ended any talk of a comeback when he found the bottom corner from the edge of the box just one minute from time.

Attentions in group F now turn to Japan's clash with Tunisia, which could result in a showdown for second place with Sweden.

WORLD CUP WIN! #NothingLikeOranje #FIFAWorldCup #NEDSWE pic.twitter.com/npfnIKwi65

Just before the break, Gabriel Gudmundsson drove forward in the search of a goal that would halve the deficit.

The left-back was deep in Netherlands territory before he was shoved in the back and over by Ryan Gravenberch.

Free kick to Sweden after a Gravenberch foul on Gudmundsson. Lagerbielke meets Nygren's cross with a towering header in front of Verbruggen, sending the ball bottom-centre. He was offside, however - no goal.#FIFAWorldCup #Mundial2026 #Netherlands #Sweden #NEDSWE pic.twitter.com/nPIqsisj6K

Oliver blew his whistle and signalled a free-kick, but failed to hand the midfielder a yellow card for what was a blatant attempt to deny a potentially promising Sweden attack.

Gustaf Lagerbielke would convert from the free-kick, but he was ultimately deemed offside.

Deep into the second half, Yasin Ayari pushed forward before going down under the challenge of the Netherlands midfielder.

Oliver blew up and offered Sweden a chance to put the ball into the box, but replays revealed that the Brighton talent had been going down before any contact was seen.

Ayari easily could have been booked for diving if the referee had spotted it, and was instead booked just seconds later for cynically pulling back Gravenberch.

Yasin Ayari grabs Ryan Gravenberch from behind, then tugs the back of his uniform - throwing the latter off-balance in the midfield. Yellow card issued by Michael Oliver as a result.#FIFAWorldCup #Mundial2026 #Netherlands #Sweden #NEDSWE pic.twitter.com/FM0KeqgSh8

In the game's final minutes, Virgil van Dijk went down with what looked to be a slight knock before quickly getting back to his feet.

Bart Verbruggen had already had the ball and was invited to restart play following the stoppage, which he went to do so.

5-1 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/VIPnb2A2d7

With the goalkeeper taking his time with the ball before dropping it, Viktor Gyokeres went to close him down and managed to block his clearance.

Bizzarely, Oliver brought his whistle to his lips and ordered the ball back to Verbruggen, much to the anger of the Arsenal striker.