Late Gakpo goal denies Klopp victory as Netherlands hold Germany to 1-1 draw

The Netherlands rescued a 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday after Cody Gakpo scored in stoppage time, spoiling Jurgen Klopp’s first game in charge of the visitors in the Nations League.

Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead in the first half, but Gakpo levelled in the closing moments with an impressive volley from a Ruben van Bommel cross.

The result reflected the Netherlands’ dominance for long periods, with the hosts showing an aggressive approach in Xavi Hernandez’s first game as their coach.

Germany were also hit by injury concerns, with Jamal Musiala ruled out of the starting lineup after suffering a thigh complaint during the warm-up. Kai Havertz subsequently left the pitch in the first half.

The injuries could prove particularly costly with Germany having three more matches to play during the current international break.

Klopp was appointed after Germany were eliminated by Paraguay in the last 32 of the summer World Cup, marking their third successive early exit from a tournament they have won four times.

The former club manager attempted to inject youth into the squad by bringing 16 debutants into the team, although only defender Philipp Treu started against the Netherlands.

The Dutch were similarly looking to recover from their own last-32 World Cup exit and turned to former Barcelona midfield strategist Xavi, who was making his managerial debut with the national side.

Germany started brightly and initially looked energetic, but the Netherlands thought they had taken the lead after Van Dijk headed home from a corner in the 15th minute. The effort was eventually ruled out following an extended VAR review.

The Dutch continued to press, while Germany goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen looked uncertain and surrendered possession cheaply in his first match since June 2025.

Despite being under pressure, Germany broke forward to score against the run of play in the 32nd minute.

Brobbey went down injured in midfield, but play continued and Adeyemi found Nmecha with a well-timed pass, allowing the midfielder to put Germany ahead.

Germany almost doubled their lead before the interval when Adeyemi found himself with an open goal, but he fired his effort over.

The Netherlands resumed their pressure after half-time and came close again in the 66th minute when Meerdink scuffed an effort just wide with the goal at his mercy.

Germany looked poised to escape with victory as stoppage time approached, but the hosts produced a late response.

Van Bommel burst down the left flank and delivered a precise cross beyond the German defence, allowing Gakpo to fire a volley into the net and secure a 1-1 draw.

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