Gakpo’s late goal earns Netherlands Nations League draw with Germany
Cody Gakpo struck in the second minute of stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 Nations League A draw for the Netherlands against Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, denying Jurgen Klopp’s side a win that had looked secure for much of the night.
Felix Nmecha’s 32nd-minute finish had put Germany ahead shortly after Kai Havertz was forced off injured. But the visitors could not withstand a relentless late push, with the Dutch finally converting their territorial dominance after 91 minutes of resistance.
How the match unfolded
- Germany lost Havertz to injury in the 30th minute. The forward had begun brightly, dropping deep to connect attacks, but his departure disrupted the visitors’ attacking structure and removed their main focal point.
- Nmecha put Germany in front two minutes later, taking his chance well in the 32nd minute and giving Klopp’s team a lead despite the Netherlands controlling more of the ball.
- Germany remained dangerous on the break, recording five counter-attacking attempts, while their defensive unit absorbed heavy pressure throughout the second half.
- Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk had an early goal ruled out, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen produced a series of important saves to protect the German advantage.
- Germany replaced Nmecha in the 64th minute, and the change coincided with the visitors losing influence in midfield as the home side stepped up their pressure.
- With Germany defending deep, Gakpo found a finish from close range in added time to level the match.
Dutch pressure finally pays off
The Netherlands finished with 55 per cent possession, 22 shots to Germany’s 11 and an expected-goals total of 2.78. They also forced 12 corners, registered nine efforts on target and delivered 24 crosses as Germany’s full-backs Treu and Brown were pinned back for long stretches.
Ter Stegen was Germany’s outstanding defender, making eight saves and repeatedly positioning himself well amid the Dutch barrage. He could not prevent Gakpo’s late equaliser, however, after an evening in which Germany’s defence recorded 13 interceptions and 12 clearances.
Jonathan Tah offered aerial authority in central defence, although Brian Brobbey’s movement caused him problems at times. Nico Schlotterbeck was similarly busy, helping Germany win possession and start moves from the back, but the collective defensive effort eventually gave way.
Nmecha goal not enough for Germany
Nmecha provided Germany’s best midfield display, combining his goal with a physical presence in transition before his 64th-minute withdrawal. His replacement added energy without restoring the visitors’ earlier control.
Germany’s captain tried to dictate play and keep the side compact during a frantic contest, but his influence faded as the Netherlands camped in the visitors’ half. Amiri endured a difficult evening, receiving a yellow card in the 68th minute before being substituted in the 80th.
Germany had pace on the counter, but their final pass repeatedly prevented a decisive second goal. Schade struggled to make an impact after Havertz’s exit and was taken off after an hour, while the replacement for Havertz worked hard in the press but could not replicate the injured forward’s threat in front of goal.
Further substitutions in the 64th and 80th minutes were intended to improve Germany’s defensive stability, but they did not halt the Dutch momentum.
What happens next
The draw leaves Germany and the Netherlands level in Group 2 of Nations League A. Klopp will now have to assess Havertz’s injury after the early setback altered his attacking plans and preceded a second-half spell in which Germany struggled to retain the ball or relieve the pressure.
