Gakpo's Stoppage-Time Volley Spoils Klopp's Germany Debut as Netherlands Grab 1-1 Draw

Cody Gakpo volleyed in a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw for the Netherlands against Germany in their Nations League Group A2 opener on Thursday, denying new coach Jurgen Klopp a winning debut, Reuters reported.

Former Liverpool manager Klopp, who took over Germany in July following their shock early World Cup exit to Paraguay, looked set for a winning start before Gakpo completed a quick counter-attack and volleyed home the equaliser.

Germany’s night was marred by bad news from the start: playmaker Jamal Musiala was ruled out after feeling muscle pain in the warm-up, and forward Kai Havertz was taken off injured in the 30th minute. Two minutes later, Felix Nmecha put the visitors ahead, slotting in from close range after a cutback from debutant full back Philipp Treu.

The Dutch thought they had struck earlier when captain Virgil van Dijk headed in from a corner in the 13th minute, but the effort was overruled by VAR for a foul on Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Gakpo’s late strike also gave new Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez — appointed in August after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the World Cup round-of-32 elimination — a point in his first match, Sky Sports reported. Xavi is the first foreigner in charge of the Dutch national team since the 1978 World Cup.

Sources: Reuters, Sky Sports