Match marked by famous coaches' debuts – Netherlands snatch a draw

2026-09-25 00:02 © sca

UEFA Nations League A division Group 2 match between the Netherlands and Germany ended in a 1:1 draw.

The meeting in Amsterdam marked the official debut of the new coaches of both teams – Netherlands' coach Xavi Hernandez and Germany's strategist Jürgen Klopp.

The Netherlands could have taken the lead in the 13th minute when Virgil van Dijk headed the ball towards the goal from a corner. Initially, the goal was awarded, but the referee decided after a VAR review that Brian Brobbey obstructed Germany's goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen during the episode.

The Germans took advantage of their opportunity in the 32nd minute when Felix Nmecha scored the first goal of the match, putting the visitors ahead.

After the break, the Netherlands increasingly pressed their opponents and created significantly more chances. The hosts made 22 shots, eight of which were on target, while the German goalkeeper had to save the ball seven times.

When it seemed that Jürgen Klopp's team would manage to preserve their minimal lead, the Netherlands salvaged a point during the added time.

In the 90+2 minutes, after a pass from Ruben van Bommel, Cody Gakpo scored to equalize for the hosts – 1:1.