Cody Gakpo struck in the 92nd minute to rescue a Nations League point for the Netherlands and deny Jürgen Klopp victory in his first match as Germany coach.
Gakpo lands the late blow
Germany were seconds away from beginning the Klopp era with a win in Amsterdam. Felix Nmecha's 32nd-minute finish had survived everything the Netherlands could throw at the visitors until Gakpo met a late delivery on the volley and found the equaliser.
It was a sharp, decisive finish from the former Liverpool forward against his old manager. Germany had defended their lead for an hour, but the final word belonged to the Dutch.
Nmecha puts Germany in front
Germany took the lead after Karim Adeyemi's effort was blocked and Nmecha reacted quickest from close range. It was a reward for an assertive first-half display and gave Klopp a platform from which to manage his first international match.
Both sides then had chances to change the contest. Adeyemi could not add a second and Netherlands substitute Mexx Meerdink passed up an inviting opportunity before Gakpo finally levelled the score deep into added time.
Two new eras begin with a point
The match was also Xavi Hernández's first in charge of the Netherlands, making the late equaliser an important first show of resilience. Klopp will take positives from Germany's shape and long spell in front, even if losing the lead so late will sting.
Greece sit top of League A Group 2 after their 2-1 win in Serbia. The Netherlands and Germany follow on one point apiece, with plenty still to settle after the opening night.
Match details
Netherlands 1-1 Germany
Felix Nmecha 32; Cody Gakpo 90+2
Thursday 24 September 2026
UEFA Nations League
Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam
See the final score and match record in the LiveFootballNow match centre.
What comes next
Germany host Greece in Augsburg on Sunday 27 September, when Klopp will get another chance to claim his first win. The Netherlands face Serbia away later the same day looking to build on the momentum of Gakpo's late rescue act.