Cody Gakpo hit a stoppage-time volley to earn the Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Germany in their Nations League Group A2 opener on Thursday, denying Jurgen Klopp victory in his first match as Germany boss. Former Liverpool manager Klopp took charge in July after their surprise early exit from the World Cup against Paraguay in the last 32 under Julian Nagelsmann. His side appeared set to give him the perfect start after Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead, but Gakpo finished off a swift counter-attack in the closing stages to level the contest.
The result also gave Xavi Hernandez something to celebrate in his first game in charge of the Netherlands. He was appointed in August after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the Dutch side's elimination at the same stage of the World Cup. Germany suffered an early blow when Jamal Musiala was ruled out before kick-off, after experiencing muscle pain - and they were given a scare when Virgil van Dijk headed in from a corner inside the first 15 minutes.
The goal was ruled out following a VAR review, however, with the Netherlands captain adjudged to have fouled Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Klopp's side were hit by another injury in the 30th minute when Arsenal's Kai Havertz was forced off, but they took the lead just two minutes later. Philipp Treu's cutback found Nmecha, who made no mistake from close range to put Germany ahead.
The Netherlands had an injury concern of their own to contend with soon after, with Sunderland's Brian Brobbey taken off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Germany almost doubled their advantage before half-time when Karim Adeyemi somehow failed to find the target from inside the six-yard box. The Netherlands increased the pressure after the break and created a succession of chances, with Ter Stegen producing several important saves to preserve his side's lead.
Germany eventually succumbed in the closing stages, though, as Gakpo's late volley completed the Netherlands' comeback and secured an opening point. Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Denmark 3-2 in their UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixture in Oslo. Fulham's Oscar Bobb put Norway in front after 14 minutes and Haaland made it 2-0 on 18 minutes.
Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard, however, halved the deficit with a stunning free-kick and former Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund struck on the hour to level it at 2-2. But Haaland struck with 16 minutes of the 90 remaining to seal the win, taking his tally to 64 senior international goals in just 56 appearances. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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