Gakpo Rescues Netherlands With Late Equaliser to Deny Klopp Winning Germany Debut

Cody Gakpo struck deep into stoppage time as the Netherlands fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Germany in the opening match of their UEFA Nations League campaign.

The result meant both Xavi Hernández and Jürgen Klopp avoided defeat in their first competitive matches as national-team coaches. Germany had looked on course for victory after Felix Nmecha opened the scoring, but Gakpo’s late finish changed the outcome in Amsterdam. 

Nmecha Gives Germany the Lead

Germany started brightly under their new manager, although Klopp was forced to make an early adjustment when Jamal Musiala experienced muscle discomfort before kick-off.

The Netherlands thought they had taken the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour when Virgil van Dijk headed home from a corner. However, the goal was overturned following a VAR review, with Brian Brobbey judged to have interfered with Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. 

Germany then suffered another setback when Kai Havertz was forced off with an injury.

Despite the disruption, the visitors found a way through shortly afterwards. Karim Adeyemi’s effort was blocked, but the loose ball fell for Felix Nmecha, who reacted quickly to put Germany ahead in the 32nd minute. 

Netherlands Push for an Equaliser

The Dutch increased the pressure after the interval and began creating increasingly dangerous opportunities.

Ter Stegen produced several important interventions to keep Germany in front, while the Netherlands also missed chances that could have brought them level earlier.

Mexx Meerdink came close after being introduced from the bench, while another opportunity went begging when he was unable to turn Denzel Dumfries’ delivery into the net from close range. 

Germany also had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Adeyemi missing a particularly good chance before the visitors were eventually punished for failing to add a second goal.

Gakpo Saves the Netherlands

With the match entering stoppage time, the Netherlands finally found their breakthrough.

Ruben van Bommel produced an excellent delivery from the left, and Gakpo met the cross with a powerful volley that flew beyond Ter Stegen.

The goal arrived in the 92nd minute, sending the home crowd into celebration and securing a point for Xavi’s side. 

For Klopp, the late equaliser prevented what would have been a winning start to his Germany reign.

New Era Begins With a Draw

The 1-1 result gives both teams a point from the opening round of Nations League action.

For the Netherlands, Gakpo’s late goal provided a positive ending to Xavi’s first competitive match in charge. Germany, meanwhile, showed encouraging attacking moments but will have concerns after several injury problems and their inability to protect the lead.

The two teams will now turn their attention to the next round of Nations League fixtures as the new international cycle gets underway.