Cody Gakpo saves Xavi as Jürgen Klopp’s Germany draw Netherlands in debut duel | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo struck in stoppage time to earn Xavi a 1-1 draw against Jürgen Klopp’s Germany in Amsterdam, both managers beginning their international tenures.

Germany controlled midfield early. Kai Havertz departed injured in the 30th minute, yet Felix Nmecha arrived to finish smartly in the 32nd before sustained Dutch pressure, built on 55% possession, was finally rewarded late.

Gakpo again proved the Netherlands’ attacking heartbeat, timing his run to perfection in the second minute of added time to prevent a losing start for Xavi and keep momentum with the hosts.

Nmecha was Germany’s standout outfield player, anchoring and advancing in equal measure and showcasing the late runs Klopp prizes. He set the tempo against a technically gifted Dutch unit.

Marc-André ter Stegen underlined his status with a superb display, making eight saves and excelling one-on-one as the Dutch registered nine shots on target and an xG of 2.65.

It was a chastening evening for Jan Paul van Hecke, cautioned in the 24th minute and repeatedly exposed in transition, which left Virgil van Dijk vulnerable.

Havertz had struggled to impose himself before his withdrawal, failing to register a meaningful effort, and his setback hands rivals a chance in upcoming games against Greece and Serbia.

Nadiem Amiri could not supply the killer pass, was booked in the 68th minute and substituted 12 minutes later, as Germany, with fewer shots and less of the ball, could not close it out. A draw felt fair, and both projects remain firmly in progress.

Source: Goal.com

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