Nmecha Scores in Klopp’s Debut as National Team Coach | OneFootball

In the German national team’s first competitive match since the World Cup, the team ultimately had to settle for a draw against the Netherlands in their UEFA Nations League opener. The Elftal scored a late equalizer against the DFB squad in the second minute of stoppage time.

BVB pro Felix Nmecha had earlier scored the first goal for the DFB squad under head coach Jürgen Klopp. The midfielder confidently capitalized on a rebound in the 32nd minute, easily slotting the ball into the net with his right foot from close range to give his team the lead. Nmecha was also a key asset for the German team throughout the match before being substituted for Anton Stach midway through the second half.

By the time he was substituted, the 25-year-old had recorded 37 touches, an 89 percent pass completion rate, and had won 67 percent of his duels.

His BVB teammate Nico Schlotterbeck played the full 90 minutes at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The defender played at left center back in Germany’s defensive formation. Schlotterbeck adapted seamlessly to the tactical shift from three to two center backs. It was his 30th senior international appearance for the German national team.

For the Dutch, Joey Veerman saw some playing time in the second half. The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund was brought on in the 57th minute by new national team coach Xavi and was thus on the field when the Dutch scored their late equalizer.

Successful Start for Many BVB Players

All other BVB players who took the field in Nations League action on Thursday celebrated triumphant opening victories with their national teams.

Julian Ryerson started as right back, as usual, in Norway’s 3-2 victory over Denmark. He played the entire match in the Scandinavian showdown, in which Erling Haaland scored a brace for Norway.

Konstantinos Karetsas was also in the starting lineup for his national team. The 18-year-old started Greece’s away match against Serbia and played a total of 74 minutes for the Hellenes. He was then replaced by forward Tassos Douvikas, who scored the 2-1 winning goal for Greece in the 90+4th minute.

The Austrian national team also got off to a successful start in the Nations League, defeating Israel 3-1 in front of a home crowd. Carney Chukwuemeka was on the field for the two late goals that made the score 2-1 and 3-1. The BVB pro had been substituted into the game in the 82nd minute.