Ruben Van Bommel's cross gives Cody Gakpo's winner to Xavi's Netherlands

In stoppage time, Ruben Van Bommel, who came on in the 83rd minute, delivered an outside right-footed cross that Cody Gakpo turned into a goal in the 90+2 minute, securing a 1‑1 draw for the Netherlands against Germany on Thursday evening.

Debuts under the spotlight

The match marked Xavi Hernández's first bench as head coach of the Netherlands and Jürgen Klopp's first in charge of Germany. In the first half, the Mannschaft opened the scoring thanks to Felix Nmecha in the 32nd minute, before a shot denied to Virgil van Dijk from a corner was cancelled in the 13th minute.

The Netherlands responded with a series of attacks, creating more chances, possession, corners and duels won than their opponents, according to the match report.

A boxing fight

The game was described as a boxing match, each team trading blows, each round revealing a moment of weakness, sometimes “against the ropes”. Both sides matched each other blow for blow, alternating periods of dominance.

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

The the Oranje kept the pressure, generating chances in the 60th, 62nd, 66th, 74th and 89th minutes, but German goalkeeper Marc‑André Ter Stegen often denied their attempts.

In extra time, Ruben Van Bommel's determination, son of Mark, who became Belgium's manager, was decisive: he first chipped the ball from Serge Gnabry's feet before delivering the cross that allowed Gakpo to equalise.

For Jürgen Klopp, the result is frustrating, the Mannschaft missing a few seconds to secure a perfect victory in their debut.

Van Dijk demands a point for the Oranje after a controversial goal

The only notable incident on the German side was the injured exit of Kai Havertz.