Jürgen Klopp’s reign as Germany head coach began with a dramatic 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, after Cody Gakpo struck two minutes into stoppage time to rescue a point for the hosts in the opening match of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
Germany appeared on course for a memorable victory after Felix Nmecha put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute, but Gakpo’s late volley from a superb Ruben van Bommel cross ensured Klopp had to settle for a draw on his competitive debut.
The result also marked a draw for Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández in his first game in charge.
The night was full of drama long before either side found the net.
The Netherlands thought they had taken the lead in the 13th minute when captain Virgil van Dijk rose to meet a Tijjani Reijnders corner and headed the ball into the net.
However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review, with the officials determining that Dutch striker Brian Brobbey had impeded Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen during the set-piece.
It was an early warning for Klopp’s side, who were struggling to control the Dutch pressure.
Germany then suffered another setback when Jamal Musiala was forced to withdraw before kick-off after experiencing a thigh problem during the warm-up.
Things got worse for Klopp shortly afterwards when Kai Havertz was forced off in the first half, with Younes Ebnoutalib introduced in the 30th minute.
Despite the Netherlands enjoying periods of pressure, Germany produced a controversial breakthrough in the 32nd minute.
The move began after the Netherlands appeared to expect play to stop because Brian Brobbey had gone down injured. Germany continued their attack, with Karim Adeyemi’s effort blocked inside the area.
The rebound fell kindly for Felix Nmecha, who reacted quickest and fired the ball into the net from close range to give Germany a 1-0 lead.
The Dutch players immediately protested, believing the game should have been stopped for Brobbey’s injury. However, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Germany nearly doubled their advantage before half-time when Karim Adeyemi found himself with a golden opportunity after a dangerous counter-attack.
With the Netherlands goalkeeper beaten and the goal seemingly at his mercy, Adeyemi sent his effort over the crossbar.
The Netherlands survived and returned for the second half with renewed intensity.
The hosts continued to create chances, with Germany increasingly dependent on ter Stegen to preserve their lead.
Mexx Meerdink came particularly close in the second half, while Denzel Dumfries also tested the German defence. Ter Stegen produced several important saves as the Netherlands continued to threaten.
Meerdink even appeared to have equalised after a chaotic goalmouth sequence, but the effort was ruled out after the referee had already stopped play for a foul.
The Dutch pressure was becoming relentless.
The statistics reflected their dominance, with the Netherlands finishing the match with 22 shots to Germany’s 10 and 12 corners to Germany’s one. The hosts also recorded an expected-goals figure of approximately 3.11 compared with Germany’s 1.50, underlining how much pressure Klopp’s team endured.
Germany nevertheless appeared to have done enough to hold on.
Then came the decisive moment.
In the 90+2nd minute, substitute Ruben van Bommel produced a brilliant delivery from the left, curling the ball over the German defence.
Cody Gakpo timed his movement perfectly before meeting the cross with a powerful right-footed volley that flew beyond ter Stegen and into the net.
The Johan Cruyff Arena erupted as the Netherlands finally got the equaliser their second-half pressure had threatened to produce.
Gakpo’s finish was particularly significant given his previous relationship with Klopp. The Dutch forward had worked under Klopp at Liverpool, making the late equaliser an intriguing reunion between the former manager and player.
Germany had no time to respond.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, ending Klopp’s first match in charge with a point rather than the victory that had looked possible for much of the second half.
For Germany, there were positives in the resilience shown after the Netherlands’ sustained pressure and the attacking promise of Nmecha and Adeyemi. But the injuries to Musiala and Havertz, along with the defensive pressure they endured, will give Klopp plenty to consider.
For the Netherlands, Gakpo’s late intervention capped an impressive fightback under Xavi Hernández.
Germany had the lead.
The Netherlands had the pressure.
But in the end, Gakpo had the final word.
Klopp’s Germany era has therefore begun with a draw, while Xavi’s Netherlands also leave Amsterdam with a point after a dramatic opening chapter to the new Nations League campaign.
