Klopp's Germany era begins with a draw against Xavi's Netherlands
Jürgen Klopp's first match in charge of Germany ended in a 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw against the Netherlands, coached for the first time by Xavi. Cody Gakpo scored the equalizer in stoppage time.
On Thursday, September 24, Germany and the Netherlands played to a 1-1 draw in a UEFA Nations League fixture. The match marked the debut of new head coaches for both teams: Jürgen Klopp took charge of Germany for the first time, while former Barcelona midfielder Xavi led the Netherlands for the first time.
The Netherlands nearly took an early lead when Virgil van Dijk headed in a corner kick, but a VAR review found that Brian Brobbey had interfered with goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, and the goal was disallowed. Germany was forced into an early substitution in the first half after Kai Havertz was fouled roughly by Quentin Timber and had to be replaced.
Germany broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through Felix Nmecha, who converted from close range after a shot from the edge of the box. Xavi also had to make an early change, as Brobbey was unable to continue. Germany had a chance to double its lead when Karim Adeyemi was left completely unmarked inside the box but fired the ball over the crossbar.
The Netherlands grew more dangerous in the second half — in the 66th minute, Max Merdink's sliding effort narrowly missed the target. The equalizer finally came in stoppage time, when Cody Gakpo scored from close range after a pass from Ruben van Bommel. The goal marked Gakpo's — sorry, actually van Bommel's — senior international debut for the Netherlands.
Other results
Elsewhere in the Nations League on Thursday, Greece beat Serbia 2-1 away, Portugal — with Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup — defeated Wales 1-0 at home, Norway beat Denmark 3-2, Austria overcame Israel 3-1, Lithuania won 2-0 away against Liechtenstein, and Malta beat Andorra 2-1 on the road.
