Cody Gakpo volleyed in a stoppage-time equaliser as the Netherlands and Germany shared the points 1-1 in Amsterdam on the first competitive night for new managers Xavi and Jürgen Klopp.
Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead in the 32nd minute at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, finishing from close range after Karim Adeyemi’s assist. The visitors looked set for an opening Nations League win in League A Group 2 until Ruben van Bommel — on as a late substitute — crossed for Liverpool forward Gakpo to smash home in the 92nd minute. Full time arrived at 1-1 after six minutes of added time.
Match facts
- Result: Netherlands 1-1 Germany (half-time 0-1)
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A, Group 2, Matchday 1
- Venue: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam
- Scorers: Netherlands - Gakpo 90+2'; Germany - Nmecha 32'
- Red cards: None
- Next: Serbia v Netherlands, Sunday 27 September; Germany v Greece
First competitive steps for Klopp and Xavi
Both dugouts were under new high-profile leadership. Klopp was in charge of Germany for the first competitive match of his reign after leaving Liverpool in May 2024; Xavi took charge of the Netherlands for the first time since departing Barcelona in the same window. Germany named a rotating Nations League squad for this break, with different selections planned across the four-match window.
The draw leaves Greece top of Group 2 after their win in Belgrade, with Germany and the Netherlands on a point each and Serbia still to open their account. Late substitute van Bommel became the third generation of his family to represent the Oranje, following father Mark van Bommel and grandfather Bert van Marwijk.
Injuries cloud the night
The result was overshadowed by two early withdrawals. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz was replaced in the 30th minute after Quinten Timber’s high boot caught him on the knee; debutant Younes Ebnoutalib came on. Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey then went off around the 35th minute with what appeared to be a muscle problem and was replaced by Mexx Meerdink.
Marc-André ter Stegen made a string of saves as the Netherlands finished with 22 shots to Germany’s 10 and forced nine stops from the German goalkeeper. Neither federation issued a detailed medical bulletin immediately after full time; clubs and national teams will assess Havertz and Brobbey before the next round.
What happens next
League A Group 2 continues on Sunday 27 September 2026: Germany host Greece, while Serbia face the Netherlands. Klopp’s side will look to turn one point into a first competitive win at home to Greece; Xavi’s Oranje travel to Belgrade aiming to climb the table after Gakpo’s dramatic intervention in Amsterdam.