Gakpo’s added-time volley rescues Netherlands 1-1 draw with Germany in Nations League

Cody Gakpo’s added-time volley secured a 1-1 draw for the Netherlands against Germany in a Nations League match at the Dutch side’s home on 24 September 2026, denying Jürgen Klopp a perfect start as Germany manager. Felix Nmecha had put Germany ahead with a first-half strike.

Klopp had warned his debut could be unpredictable and had promised “intense football,” while the Netherlands’ supporters displayed a banner reading “Welkom Xavi” for their new head coach. Klopp named a 44-man squad for the Nations League break; the only newcomer to start the match was Freiburg right-back Philipp Treu and Brentford’s Kevin Schade was also included in the selection. Jamal Musiala felt his thigh in the warm-up and was replaced before kick-off by Nadiem Amiri.

Early in the game Virgil van Dijk appeared to glance Tijjani Reijnders’ corner into the net, but the video assistant referee ruled that Brian Brobbey had impeded Marc-André ter Stegen, cancelling the effort. The overturned goal followed the Netherlands’ first sustained spell of pressure and preceded a game that often broke down into scrappy sequences.

The opening goal arrived when Joshua Kimmich played on despite what looked like an expectation to stop play; Karim Adeyemi’s close-range effort was blocked and Felix Nmecha reacted quickest to convert the rebound. Dutch players made their displeasure clear and a scuffle followed on the far touchline.

Injuries disrupted both sides: Kai Havertz went down near halfway and was replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib, while Brobbey also left the field after earlier treatment. Jan Paul van Hecke was shown a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Kevin Schade.

The second half produced a string of chances for the hosts. Crysencio Summerville and Gakpo tested Ter Stegen; Mexx Meerdink, making his debut after replacing Brobbey, assisted a Denzel Dumfries run that Ter Stegen blocked with his foot. Meerdink later struck into the net only for the whistle to have been blown for a foul, and then somehow poked a Dumfries cross wide when well placed.

With minutes running down the Netherlands finally levelled when Gakpo volleyed in from a Ruben van Bommel cross, salvaging a draw for Xavi’s side. The result leaves Klopp without a perfect start and places fresh emphasis on the fitness of Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, issues the report said may be a longer-term preoccupation for Klopp and their clubs.