Xavi and Klopp clash in Nations League debut as the game ends level
In the opening match of UEFA Nations League 2026‑27 Group A2 on the 24th, the Netherlands and Germany, now led by new coaches Xavi and Jurgen Klopp respectively, played to a 1‑1 draw. Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the 32nd minute, while Cody Gakpo equalised deep into stoppage time.
The German goal came after a second‑ball sequence that saw Nmecha finish a pass from Joshua Kimmich inside the box. Shortly before the concession, Brian Brobbey suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Mex Meerdink.
The Netherlands pressed hard in the second half, with Denzel Dumfries and Tiane Linders creating chances, but Meerdink’s effort rattled the post. Rookie Ruben van Bommel, aged 22, made his debut as a substitute.
Gakpo’s late volley secured the draw, and both sides now face new fixtures: the Netherlands travel to Serbia, while Germany host Greece.