Liverpool's Gakpo frustrates Jurgen Klopp As Netherlands battle Germany

Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool forward, delivered a dramatic 92nd‑minute volley to level the UEFA Nations League opener between the Netherlands and Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena on 24 September 2026, denying former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a winning debut as Germany manager and securing a 1‑1 draw for the Oranje.

Germany seize early advantage

Germany moved ahead in the 32nd minute when Felix Nmecha finished a swift move that began with Nadiem Amiri’s pass to captain Joshua Kimmich, who then released the German striker. The German side then dictated the tempo, frustrating a Dutch team still adapting to new head coach Xavi Hernández. Their control persisted into the second half.

The Netherlands thought they had equalised when Virgil van Dijk headed home from a corner, but VAR intervened and the goal was disallowed. A second VAR decision later cancelled a potential Dutch goal after Brian Brobbey appeared to impede Marc‑Andre ter Stegen in the box. Both calls added to the tension.

The match also saw two Premier League forwards limp off. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz withdrew after 30 minutes with a strapped left thigh, while Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey limped out after 35 minutes with a right‑hamstring problem. Their exits raised concerns for their clubs ahead of upcoming league fixtures.

VAR controversy in Netherlands‑Germany: Brian Brobbey blocks ter Stegen

In the dying minutes the Oranje pressed higher, and Ruben van Bommel produced an audacious from the right flank, curling the ball into the box. Gakpo met the delivery with a full‑volley, smashing the ball past Marc‑Andre ter Stegen to restore parity in the 92nd minute.

Gakpo’s impact and Klopp’s VAR lament

The Liverpool striker’s strike adds to a blistering start to the season; he has already netted three goals and provided four assists in seven appearances for club and country. His clinical volley under pressure underlined the instinct that has made him a key figure for both Liverpool and the Netherlands. The hashtag #GAKPO appeared on social media after the strike.

Jurgen Klopp, who had previously said ‘I would vote for scrapping VAR’ before his Anfield farewell, found the technology saving his debut as Germany manager when the disallowed Dutch goals preserved the 1‑1 scoreline. The irony was not lost on the German camp.

Ruben van Bommel makes a glittering debut as Xavi Hernández faces his first test

The match concluded with the Netherlands and Germany sharing a point, leaving the UEFA Nations League group still wide open. Both sides will look to build on the moments of brilliance and address the disciplinary issues that marked the evening. The NETHERLANDS side will analyse the match to improve.