Late Gakpo Goal Helps Netherlands Hold Germany To 1-1 Draw in UEFA Nations League

The Netherlands avoided defeat in their opening Nations League match after Cody Gakpo struck in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday.

Klopp, who took charge of Germany in July after their surprise early exit from the World Cup, looked set to begin his tenure with a victory. However, Gakpo finished off a quick counter-attack in stoppage time with a fine volley to bring the Netherlands level.

The Dutch forward finished a fast break with a volley in stoppage time, giving the Netherlands a share of the points. The result also handed Xavi Hernandez a positive start in his first competitive match in charge of the Dutch side. He was appointed in August after Ronald Koeman left the position following the Netherlands' round-of-32 exit from the World Cup.

Talking about the contest, Germany had to make a late change before the match even began, with Jamal Musiala unable to play after picking up a muscle issue during the warm-up. His absence did not slow Germany down, though, as they started brightly and put the Dutch defence under pressure.

The Netherlands thought they had broken the deadlock in the 13th minute. Virgil van Dijk rose highest from a corner and sent his header into the net, but the goal did not stand. VAR spotted a foul on Marc-Andre ter Stegen and the effort was ruled out.

Germany continued to grow into the match after that and began creating problems for the Netherlands. Their new defensive setup, which featured Philipp Treu at full-back, had to deal with increasing pressure as the game went on.

Notably, Germany had to make another change before the first half was over, as Kai Havertz picked up an injury and was replaced in the 30th minute. Despite losing the forward, Germany quickly found a way through. Felix Nmecha put them ahead only two minutes later, finishing from close range after Treu sent the ball across.

Adeyemi then had a golden chance to make it 2-0. He found himself with a clear opportunity from around five meters in the 39th minute but failed to put his shot on target.

The second half was a different story as the Netherlands pushed forward in search of a goal. Germany were kept in front by several saves from Ter Stegen, who was making his first appearance as the team's new go-to goalkeeper.

The pressure eventually became too much for Germany, as Gakpo found the net in stoppage time to level the match 1-1. It was certainly a setback for Klopp, as he was aiming for a victory, however, the Dutch disrupted his plans by finding a late equalizer.