The Netherlands played out a draw against Germany in the Nations League, with both teams starting fresh chapters under prominent new coaches, but injuries to Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz and Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey cast a shadow over the fixture.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead with a close-range finish, before Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo equalised in stoppage time by volleying in an excellent cross from Ruben van Bommel.
Havertz and Brobbey substituted
Havertz had to come off after taking a high boot to the knee from Quinten Timber in Amsterdam. The Arsenal forward’s problem was one of two injury blows for the Netherlands and Germany in the opening period.
Brobbey then seemed to pick up a muscle issue and was also replaced. The Sunderland striker had joined up with his national team after netting a hat-trick in his club’s 5-3 loss to Manchester City.
The injuries may end up being among the main discussion points from a game that otherwise finished all square following a late Netherlands equaliser.
Klopp and Xavi start new chapters
The draw was also the first match Jurgen Klopp and Xavi Hernandez had taken charge of since leaving Liverpool and Barcelona, respectively, in May 2024.
Klopp was overseeing his home country Germany, while Barcelona great Xavi was responsible for the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Both coaches therefore had their first outing in charge of their new national sides, with the teams splitting the points.
Germany have picked two separate squads during this international window, with one group used for the first two fixtures and another selection chosen for the last two.
Gakpo saves the Netherlands
Germany appeared on course for the win after Nmecha put them ahead in the first half, but the Netherlands managed to respond in added time.
Gakpo sealed the comeback with a volley from Van Bommel’s superb cross. The late substitute also wrote family history by becoming the third generation to play for the Netherlands, after his father Mark van Bommel and grandfather Bert van Marwijk.
Klopp accepted the draw even though he admitted he wanted Germany to win.
“We have to accept the result,” Klopp said. “Even though I badly wanted to win, I take the draw.”
He was especially happy with his players’ attitude, while recognising there was still space for improvement.
“I was very, very, very pleased with a lot of the individual performances. Overall, I was very happy with the passion we showed. We can play better and play more football, that’s for sure.”