Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time volley secured a 1-1 draw for the Netherlands against Germany in the Nations League, denying Jurgen Klopp victory in his first match as Germany manager.
Felix Nmecha had put Germany in front in the 32nd minute, but the Netherlands recovered after the break and were rewarded when Gakpo finished a swift counter-attack in the closing stages.
The result also marked a positive start for Xavi Hernandez, who took charge of the Netherlands in August after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the team’s elimination at the same stage of the World Cup.
Germany were dealt an early setback when Jamal Musiala was ruled out before kick-off with muscle pain. The Netherlands appeared to take advantage when captain Virgil van Dijk headed into the net from a corner inside the opening 15 minutes.
However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review, with Van Dijk judged to have fouled Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Klopp’s team suffered another blow when Kai Havertz was forced off in the 30th minute. Two minutes later, Philipp Treu’s cutback reached Nmecha, who finished from close range to give Germany the lead.
The Netherlands also lost Brian Brobbey to what appeared to be a hamstring injury, while Germany missed an opportunity to extend their advantage before half-time when Karim Adeyemi failed to find the target from inside the six-yard box.
The hosts increased the pressure after the interval and created a succession of chances, but ter Stegen produced several important saves to preserve Germany’s lead. He was eventually beaten by Gakpo’s late volley, which completed the comeback and ensured the Netherlands Germany draw.
