Foreign press and Germans praise Xavi's strong debut as national coach

International media praised the first performance of the Dutch national team under new head coach Xavi Hernández, which ended in a 1‑1 draw against Germany. The team equalised in the closing stages, but according to the press could even have won the match.

The official photographic material of the match was provided by photographer Pim Ras, as noted under the copyright notice. His images were widely shared in the press.

Positive German press reactions

The German daily acknowledges that the Oranje performed well. ‘We were lucky again,’ wrote the newspaper, and praised the ‘unusually uncertain passes of goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen in the buildup’ that went unpunished. The eventual equaliser by Cody Gakpo was described as ‘hard earned’.

A goal from Virgil van Dijk was ruled out by the VAR because Brian Brobbey impeded goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen. German media reported with relief: ‘Fortunately for Germany the Spanish referee whistled for a foul.’ RTL analyst Lothar Matthäus relativised: ‘Not every referee would whistle for this.’

Controversy and injury incidents

The media described the first goal as somewhat controversial, especially from the Dutch perspective, because the match seemed to be interrupted and then resumed. Brobbey fell to the ground in pain, but the referee allowed play to continue. The German press made a joke about the pass: ‘That pass must have been from your mother.’

Ruben Van Bommel provides the decisive Dutch free‑kick assist

In injury time Cody Gakpo saved a point with a sublime volley after a measured pass from Ruben van Bommel. After the match, Jürgen Klopp made a joke: ‘I said to Ruben: That pass didn’t come from your father, it must have been from your mother.’

In Spain, the sports newspaper followed the debut of former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández with extra interest. The outlet praised a commendable start and called debutant Mexx Meerdink a great addition for the Dutch national team, although he ‘did not have luck on his side’ with a chance that, via Ter Stegen and the post, did not end up in the net.

The German newspaper AS emphasised the performance of Marc‑André ter Stegen, who with several saves prevented a worse result for Germany. His interventions were praised as crucial for preserving the draw.

Van Bommel as national team coach, son Ruben debuts for the Oranje – a day of family triumphs

The British BBC mainly looked at the match with Premier‑League interests and expressed concerns about the injury to Brian Brobbey, who plays for Sunderland, and about Arsenal striker Kai Havertz.