Xavi Hernández and Jürgen Klopp began their national-team coaching careers with an entertaining 1-1 draw as the Netherlands and Germany shared the spoils in Amsterdam on Thursday.
The meeting provided a fascinating first chapter for two high-profile coaches embarking on new international assignments, with neither able to claim victory after Cody Gakpo’s dramatic late equaliser cancelled out Felix Nmecha’s first-half strike.
Klopp’s Germany started with greater purpose and eventually found the breakthrough in the 32nd minute.
Karim Adeyemi’s effort was blocked inside the area before Nmecha reacted quickest to fire Germany ahead.
The goal sparked frustration among the Netherlands players because the German attack had continued despite Brobbey being down injured. A confrontation followed, adding further intensity to an already competitive encounter.
Germany could have doubled their advantage before and after the interval, but Adeyemi missed opportunities that would later prove costly.
Xavi’s Netherlands gradually took greater control after the break, producing a more aggressive attacking display and repeatedly threatening Ter Stegen’s goal.
The hosts thought they had eventually found the equaliser through Meerdink after another dangerous corner, but the effort was ruled out following a foul.
Dumfries then missed another opportunity before the Netherlands finally got their reward deep into stoppage time.
Van Bommel’s delivery created the opening and Gakpo met it with a superb volley in the 92nd minute to send the home supporters into celebration and deny Klopp victory on his Germany debut.
The late equaliser also carried an interesting subplot for Klopp: Gakpo, the Netherlands goalscorer, previously played under him at Liverpool.
The draw ensured both newly appointed coaches began their international careers unbeaten, although both will recognise that their teams still have significant room for improvement.
Xavi, appointed by the Dutch federation in August on a contract running through the 2030 World Cup, is the first foreign coach of the Netherlands men’s national team since 1978.
Klopp, meanwhile, signed a four-year contract with the German Football Association in July after taking over from Julian Nagelsmann following Germany’s World Cup exit. His mandate extends through Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
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