Jurgen Klopp’s first game as Germany coach ended in a draw after Cody Gakpo struck in stoppage time to earn the Netherlands a 1-1 draw in Amsterdam.
Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead in the 33rd minute, finishing from close range after Karim Adeyemi continued playing while the Dutch waited for the ball to be put out with Brian Brobbey down injured.
The Netherlands had already seen a Virgil van Dijk header ruled out for a foul on Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and they responded strongly after falling behind. Gakpo eventually found the equaliser with a superb volley from Ruben van Bommel’s cross, denying Klopp victory in his first match back in international management.
The result also marked the beginning of Xavi’s tenure as Netherlands head coach, with the former Barcelona manager able to celebrate a point after a tough opening.
Germany’s preparations had been disrupted before kick-off when Jamal Musiala suffered a thigh injury during the warm-up. Nadiem Amiri replaced the Bayern Munich forward. There was also a second blow as Kai Havertz later left the field with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Klopp had initially seen his side make the more aggressive start. Van Dijk thought he had put the Netherlands ahead when he glanced a Tijjani Reijnders corner beyond Ter Stegen, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review found that Brobbey had impeded the goalkeeper.
The decision frustrated the Netherlands, and tempers rose again when Brobbey went down injured during the move that produced Germany’s opener.
With the Dutch striker still receiving treatment, Kimmich chose to continue the attack. Philipp Treu delivered the cross and Adeyemi’s effort was blocked, but Nmecha reacted quickest to the rebound and swept the ball into the net.
Germany could have added a second before half-time. Adeyemi was presented with an excellent opportunity after Nathaniel Brown’s pass, but he sent his shot high over the crossbar.
The Netherlands grew into the game after the interval, with Ter Stegen producing several saves to preserve Germany’s lead. Meerdink then missed a remarkable chance when he stretched to meet Denzel Dumfries’s cross but could not turn the ball into an unguarded net.
The game became increasingly fractious, with players from both teams involved in several confrontations. Amiri was booked for a heavy challenge on Dumfries, while Kimmich and Dumfries also exchanged words during a tense second half.
Germany remained dangerous on the break but struggled to control the match. The Netherlands kept pressing and eventually got their reward in added time. Substitute Ruben van Bommel produced an outstanding delivery from the left, and Gakpo met it with a clean volley that flew beyond Ter Stegen.
