Cody Gakpo struck in stoppage time as the Netherlands rescued a 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday, denying Jurgen Klopp victory in his first match in charge of the visitors in the Nations League.
Germany appeared set to claim an unlikely win after Felix Nmecha put them ahead in the 32nd minute, but Gakpo levelled in the closing moments with a superb volley from a Ruben van Bommel cross.
The result reflected the Netherlands’ dominance for much of the match, with the hosts playing aggressively under new coach Xavi Hernandez in his first game in charge.
The Dutch thought they had taken the lead after Virgil van Dijk headed home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review.
Germany struggled to cope with the Netherlands’ pressure, with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also giving away possession cheaply in his first match since June 2025.
The visitors nevertheless opened the scoring against the run of play after 32 minutes. Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey went down injured in midfield, but Germany continued the move, with Karim Adeyemi finding Nmecha, who finished the chance.
Adeyemi then missed an opportunity to double Germany’s advantage just before half-time, firing over with the goal unguarded.
The second half followed a similar pattern as the Netherlands continued to press for an equaliser. Mexx Meerdink came close in the 66th minute but scuffed his effort narrowly wide with the goal inviting.
Germany’s task was made more difficult by injuries to Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz. Musiala was withdrawn from the starting XI after suffering a thigh complaint during the warm-up, while Havertz was forced off in the first half.
Klopp took charge of Germany following their last-32 elimination by Paraguay at the summer’s World Cup, their third consecutive early exit from a tournament they have won four times.
The former Liverpool manager brought 16 debutants into his squad as he looked to introduce new players, although only defender Philipp Treu started among them.
The Netherlands had also appointed a high-profile coach after their own disappointing last-32 World Cup exit, with former Barcelona midfield strategist Xavi taking charge for the first time.
Just when Germany appeared to have secured victory, Van Bommel burst down the left in stoppage time and delivered a perfectly weighted cross over the defence.
Gakpo met it with a powerful volley to secure a late equaliser and deny Klopp a winning start to his Germany tenure.
