# Gakpo denies Klopp perfect start as Netherlands draw Germany

> Cody Gakpo's stoppage-time equaliser denies Jürgen Klopp a winning debut as Germany coach in a frayed but entertaining Nations League clash.
- Title: Gakpo denies Klopp perfect start as Netherlands draw Germany
- Summary: Cody Gakpo's stoppage-time equaliser denies Jürgen Klopp a winning debut as Germany coach in a frayed but entertaining Nations League clash. Klopp's Germany…
- Keywords: jürgen klopp, germany, netherlands, cody gakpo, nations league, xavi, felix nmecha, debut match, football, sports, Gakpo, denies
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/24/netherlands-germany-nations-league-match-report
- Published: 2026-09-24T22:39:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jürgen klopp, germany, netherlands, cody gakpo, nations league, xavi, felix nmecha, debut match, football, sports
## Klopp's debut ends in draw
Cody Gakpo volleyed in an equaliser two minutes into stoppage time to deny Jürgen Klopp a winning start as Germany's new head coach. The match was frayed and frenetic but entertaining, with both sides showing flashes of promise.

> In a parallel world, if someone said you'd get a draw in Holland you'd take that.
## Germany takes early lead
Felix Nmecha swept in from close range after Karim Adeyemi's rebound in the first half. The goal came after Joshua Kimmich played on while Brian Brobbey was receiving treatment, sparking Dutch protests.
## Klopp's injury crisis deepens
Jamal Musiala felt his thigh in warm-up and was replaced by Nadiem Amiri. Kai Havertz departed at half-hour with a similar issue. Both players faced MRI scans and were expected to miss Sunday's match against Greece.

> I hope we get the diagnosis tonight, I hope it's nothing serious.
## Netherlands dominate second half
Xavi's side took control after the break and created several chances. Marc-André ter Stegen made commendable saves but looked jittery under set pieces, nearly conceding when Max Meerdink missed from yards out.

> The second half is the way we must play. We want to show this ambition, passion and desire.
## Gakpo's brilliant late equaliser
Substitute Ruben van Bommel crossed with the outside of his boot and Gakpo volleyed in two minutes into stoppage time. Van Bommel is the son of former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel and grandson of ex-manager Bert van Marwijk.
## Klopp accepts the draw
Klopp said he felt Germany lost two points due to when they conceded but was fine with the result overall. He acknowledged his squad needs more time to develop a coherent style of play beyond this opening taster.

> To develop a way of football you need more than two days. We only scratched the surface.
## Key takeaway

Klopp's Germany debut showed raw energy but lacked control, while the Netherlands proved they can fight back even when outplayed for long stretches.