Klopp and Xavi share the spoils as late Gakpo strike rescues Netherlands against Germany

Jurgen Klopp and Xavi Hernandez both had to settle for a draw in their first competitive matches as international coaches. Cody Gakpo equalised in stoppage time to give the Netherlands a 1-1 draw with Germany in UEFA Nations League A Group 2 in Amsterdam on Thursday night, 24 September.

A new era for two giants

Both coaches are in new jobs. Klopp took over Germany in July after their surprise World Cup exit to Paraguay in the round of 32. Xavi was appointed by the Netherlands in August after Ronald Koeman left following the Dutch team's own early exit from the tournament.

The two men picked their squads very differently. According to the Associated Press, Klopp named a 44-player pool across two squads, including 16 uncapped players. Xavi went with 26 players and left out Memphis Depay, the Netherlands' all-time top scorer.

How the match unfolded

The Dutch thought they had scored in the 14th minute when Virgil van Dijk headed in from a corner. VAR ruled the goal out for a foul on Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Germany lost Kai Havertz to injury around the half-hour mark. Moments later they went ahead in controversial fashion. Brian Brobbey was down injured and the Netherlands were effectively a man short, but Germany played on. Felix Nmecha finished a cutback from close range in the 32nd minute. Karim Adeyemi missed a good chance from inside the six-yard box before half-time that would have doubled the lead.

The Netherlands took control after the break. Ter Stegen made several important saves, and the AP counted 21 Dutch shot attempts to Germany's 10. The equaliser finally came in stoppage time, when Gakpo finished a quick counter-attack. Brobbey was later withdrawn with a suspected hamstring injury. Germany had also been without Jamal Musiala, who was ruled out before kick-off with muscle pain.

The fair-play row

Germany's decision to keep playing while Brobbey was down dominated the reaction. Former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart called it "unsporting" on Dutch broadcaster NOS.

Klopp defended his players, according to Goal. He said the team are "actually instructed to keep playing". Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said: "We were absolutely right to keep playing," and added that he "didn't hear any whistle."

Xavi was calmer about it. He said he saw "a mixture" of cleverness and unsporting behaviour, but that "it was not a big deal either."

What the coaches said

Xavi was pleased with how his side performed in the second half. "They showed personality, ambition, desire. This is what we want," he said, as quoted by the AP.

Klopp played down the idea that international football would be a big adjustment for him. "I knew most of the things. I have fantastic players. We had a difficult game," he said.

What's next

Both teams play again on Sunday, 27 September. Germany host Greece in Stuttgart, and Greece arrive full of confidence after coming from behind to win 2-1 in Serbia on Thursday. The Netherlands travel to Serbia. After the first round of games, Greece top Group A2 and the Dutch and Germans are level on one point each.

Key takeaways

• Netherlands 1-1 Germany: Felix Nmecha scored in the 32nd minute and Cody Gakpo equalised in stoppage time.
• Jurgen Klopp (Germany) and Xavi (Netherlands) both drew their first competitive games as national team coaches.
• Germany's goal came while Brian Brobbey was down injured, and the two sides disagreed about whether that was fair play.
• Kai Havertz went off injured, Brobbey came off with a suspected hamstring problem, and Jamal Musiala missed the game.
• Germany host Greece and the Netherlands visit Serbia on Sunday.

FAQ

Why was Virgil van Dijk's goal disallowed? VAR ruled that he fouled goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen when the corner came in, 14 minutes into the match.

Who else is in Germany and the Netherlands' group? Group A2 of the Nations League also includes Serbia and Greece. Greece beat Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade on Thursday.

When do Germany and the Netherlands play next? Both play on Sunday, 27 September. Germany host Greece in Stuttgart and the Netherlands play away to Serbia.

Sources: Sky Sports, Associated Press, Goal.com, Flashscore, Bulinews