Cody Gakpo scored a stoppage-time equaliser against Germany to deny former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp victory in his first match in charge of the national side. The Netherlands forward’s late volley secured a 1-1 draw in the Nations League opener at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Germany appeared set to claim the points after Felix Nmecha put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute. Klopp’s team retained their advantage deep into the second half, controlling the tempo as the Netherlands struggled to find a way through.
Cody Gakpo rescues the Netherlands
The Dutch side were playing their first competitive fixture under new head coach Xavi Hernández, but found themselves frustrated for much of the contest.
That changed in the second minute of stoppage time. Ruben van Bommel produced an outside-of-the-boot pass which sliced through the German defence, and Gakpo met the delivery on the full volley.
His strike flew beyond Marc-André ter Stegen to rescue a point for the Netherlands and prevent Klopp from beginning his Germany tenure with a win. The goal also saw Gakpo score against the manager who originally brought him to Anfield.
The equaliser continued an impressive start to the season for the 27-year-old. Gakpo has now recorded three goals and four assists in seven appearances across club and international football.
His latest contribution was another decisive moment, with the Liverpool forward showing the finishing instinct to convert a difficult chance under pressure and keep the Netherlands level.
