Gakpo Strikes in Stoppage Time to Deny Klopp Debut Win as Netherlands Draw with Germany
AMSTERDAM — Cody Gakpo delivered a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to deny his former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp a dream debut in charge of Germany, securing a 1-1 Nations League draw for Xavi's spirited Netherlands side.
Klopp had anticipated that his first outing as Germany boss would be wild, and the clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena lived up to that prediction in every sense. In an intense, fractious encounter that also served as Barcelona legend Xavi's managerial bow for the Dutch national team, both sides created ample opportunities amidst mounting injury concerns.
Early VAR Drama and Growing Injury Woes
Germany suffered an immediate pre-match blow when playmaker Jamal Musiala felt discomfort in his thigh during the warm-up and was replaced in the starting line-up by Nadiem Amiri. Freiburg right-back Philipp Treu was handed his debut, while Brentford winger Kevin Schade also started.
The Netherlands believed they had broken the deadlock after just 12 minutes when Virgil van Dijk glanced home Tijjani Reijnders' inswinging corner. However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out because Brian Brobbey was deemed to have impeded Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Klopp's injury list deepened shortly afterwards when Kai Havertz was forced off following a high challenge from Quinten Timber. Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib came on for his international debut and tested Bart Verbruggen with a sharp strike at the near post.
Controversy Sparks German Opener
The match erupted in controversy in the 32nd minute. Brobbey went down clutching his leg, prompting furious Dutch calls for play to be stopped. Germany initially looked poised to put the ball out of play, but captain Joshua Kimmich and Amiri opted to press forward. Nathaniel Brown sent in a cross that flicked towards Felix Nmecha, who converted the rebound after an initial Karim Adeyemi effort to put Germany ahead.
A scuffle broke out along the touchline as Dutch players vented their fury over the lack of sportsmanship. Germany almost doubled their advantage moments later, but Adeyemi blazed horribly over the crossbar when Brown found him unmarked in the penalty area.
Gakpo Rescues Deserved Point for Xavi
Brobbey was unable to continue and was replaced by debutant Mexx Meerdink before the interval. The second half turned into sustained Dutch pressure, with the Oranje recording 22 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.12 compared to Germany's 10 attempts (1.5 xG).
Meerdink was denied by Ter Stegen and saw a second attempt ruled out for an earlier foul by Van Dijk, before steering a teasing Denzel Dumfries cross wide. Ter Stegen also produced a superb stop with his boot to deny Dumfries from close range.
The pressure finally told in the 92nd minute. Debutant Ruben van Bommel delivered an exquisite cross with the outside of his boot, and Gakpo showed supreme athleticism to volley the ball past Ter Stegen while mid-air, ensuring Xavi's era started with a hard-earned point.
On a milestone evening, Kimmich earned his 115th cap for Germany, overtaking Toni Kroos into seventh place on the nation's all-time appearances list. Germany will look for their first win under Klopp when they host Greece on Sunday, while the Netherlands travel to face Serbia.