The Japan Times - Gakpo says Christian prayer group unites Dutch World Cup squad

The three-time runners-up are under intense pressure after a 2-2 draw against an impressive Japan side in their opening match in Arlington, Texas.

Graham Potter's rejuvenated Sweden, boasting a star-studded attack of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, crushed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game.

But Liverpool winger Gakpo, speaking at the Dutch training base in Kansas City on Wednesday, was upbeat over his team's chances despite their slow start.

"We have high hopes for ourselves," he said. "I think we feel that we have a good group, and at the end we have to show it on the pitch and obviously go through in the group stage, and then push on."

Gakpo revealed that a group of 11 or 12 Dutch players regularly prayed together, which he said helped unite the squad.

"We often end up in conversations in which we talk about faith and I'm often one of those who leads the prayer," he said.

"But everyone has their own role and their own contribution."

The 27-year-old forward added: "I think the group of guys is getting bigger and bigger. And I think it also brings a certain cohesion, of course.

"Also outside of football, obviously, to get along well with each other. But also just to give each other strength, in moments like these when we really have to be there for each other.

"And that we can form a unity together. Not only on the pitch, but also outside it."

Gakpo warned that Ronald Koeman's team must be wary of the threat from his Liverpool teammate Isak when they face Sweden in Houston, Texas, on Saturday.

Isak missed most of his first season in Liverpool after a big-money move from Newcastle with an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture but returned towards the end of the campaign.

"Special player, and we were very happy that he returned (from injury)," said Gakpo. "And at the end, I think he was fit, he scored some goals, and he played well.

"And obviously he started the tournament very well with his performance. And I think everybody knows how good a player he is, so we have to look (out for) him."

Gakpo said he was keen to forget a disappointing season at Anfield, which ended with the sacking of manager Arne Slot.

"Last season at Liverpool is not something a lot of people want to look back on, I think, unfortunately," he said.

"But that's just football as well. And we just have to move on. Here it's obviously a completely different environment, it's a completely different team."

Y.Kato--JT